The Corner That Declined to Be Negotiated

Reno keeps a tidy collection of corners, and most of them are agreeable so long as a man approaches with humility and a working respect for gravity. One of these corners, stationed near Plumb Lane and Humboldt Street, was minding its business Thursday evening when it was set upon by a motorcycle traveling with more confidence than wisdom.

At about half past seven, the rider made a bold philosophical statement that physics is optional, and the corner, being a strict philosopher, declined the argument. The machine departed the roadway, introduced itself to a retaining wall with unnecessary enthusiasm, and the rider became ejected in a manner both swift and conclusive. Police, fire, and REMSA arrived shortly after the lesson had already been administered.

The rider was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Authorities report that speed and impairment appear to have contributed, which is the modern way of saying the throttle was treated like a campaign promise, pushed too far, too fast, and with a reckless disregard for consequences.

Now, I have observed that machines, unlike governments, do exactly what they are told to do. Twist the handle, and they go. Add spirits to the operator, and the machine does not grow wiser in protest; it merely obeys with tragic loyalty.

There is a lesson here, though unfashionable, and it is that liberty works best when accompanied by discipline. Without it, even a free man can be overruled by a corner.