Blog#2

I have driven a yellow cab in NYC for the better part of 31 yrs. I have experienced racism both on a personal level and as a spectator. In other words, my passenger after learning that I'm of Puerto Rican decent will go on about it in the back seat as I drive. Straight up and down, I don't give a shit. Just pay the fare.
The only question that I don't like is when a black passenger asks who my worst passengers are? My response is always "Do you really want me to answer that?" Just like this whole big deal in the news about something that happened, and there wound up being some kind of apology. Issues that I go out of my way to avoid.
Frankly after Danny Glover got a cabby fired I'm simply discusted with the bullshit and degree of hypocracy that is allowed to occur right in the media.
Was the driver right? It's been so long that I don't remember all the facts. What I will say that after having been shot at and the bullet passing thru my hair, after having fought with 2, 3, and 4 black assailants I will drive by anyone that gives me a feeling of discomfort.
And to attest to the Taxi and Limosines Commissions respect for your rights, I was found guilty of refusing to take a fare to Brooklyn when infact I was in a Hospital bed for a month with a Pic. line in my left arm as I was receiving antibiotics for a month.I was inpatient at St.Lukes hospital for two weeks and then at the Goldwater rehab for the following two weeks. The TLC fined me $400. and refused to accept the hospital records as evidence. Don't even get me started about the NYPD.
Its both the passengers and other drivers. But at the end of the night I know I did a good job, I may have brought happiness to someone who was down. I've even saved a few lives. Getting lucky isn't always about getting laid. If I manage to be helpful, that is something that means something. Even if it's only to me and the other person. If there is a God and he's all knowing then I'm in good shape. If not, Im still good.