My wife has been driving the van today, which may or may not have anything
to do with anything, but when I got in a while ago this piece/part was lying
on the floorboard in front of the driver's seat.

http://picasaweb.google.com/garciasghostvw/MysteryDoohickey#
<http://picasaweb.google.com/garciasghostvw/MysteryDoohickey>

It looks vaguely familiar; in fact it looks sort of like it came out of a
bicycle handlebar assembly but I know that's not it. Something to do with
the ignition switch assembly? Is it from the Vanagon at all? It's like it's
right on the tip of my brain.

Anybody know? Am I risking death, dismemberment or Republicanism by driving
the van?

Thanks,

Robert