Yes, It is strange indeed.  I have noticed that Vanagons do seem to
attract outrage.  People have flipped me off on mountain roads when
they tolerate waiting behind big RV's or Semi's.  And the "I wont' let
you merge in front of ME" syndrome.  Very odd.  Someone should do a
study on it.

On Sunday, Apr 4, 2004, at 12:40 US/Pacific, developtrust wrote:

> America is a strange country. I love that Russian comedian who jokes
> about
> the "special" American salute with the middle finger to welcome
> newcomers to
> America.
>
> My vanagon is in good condition and usually I have no problem keeping
> up
> with traffic or even passing others on the road here in S. California.
>
> I had an interesting thing happen on the freeway a few weeks ago
> returning
> home from San Diego traveling 20 miles North up to our home in Cardiff
> in
> very congested traffic. I merged in front of a speeding driver with
> lots of
> time and room for a merge. I had my signal on and after I merged he
> passed
> me on the left (from the shoulder) and abruptly cut me off giving me
> the
> middle finger salute (No signal and missed me by about 6 inches.)

> Edward Lowe
Seattle, WA
82 Westy Diesel upgraded to 1.9lt. Turbo, no trouble keeping up.
85 Golf Diesel 1.6lt NA
92 Cabrio 1.8lt gas
97 Passat Tdi