This is a letter I submitted last month to the Editor of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat. Unfortunately, he chose not to publish it. Too bad: I really wanted to apologize.

ROADPEACE

Editor: This is a letter to the blonde woman driving her white SUV down Fountaingrove Parkway this morning (Monday, 1/7/08). I was driving in the right lane and when I saw that it was coned off, I indicated and started to move left. You were in the left lane and I, perceiving — perhaps incorrectly — that you were speeding up to make it difficult for me to merge, raised my hand in an angry, frustrated (but not obscene) gesture of “What are you doing?” You gestured angrily back to me. We were then both stopped at a red light; I felt remorseful and wanted to connect with you. I considered giving you the “peace” sign but felt shy and uncertain. Before I could act, the light changed, we moved on, and you turned off at Round Barn. I felt bad and wished that I had at least tried with the corny but heartfelt “V.” I don’t want the sentiment of “peace on earth, goodwill towards others” to end with the holiday season, and I apologize for my angry gesture.