The Chicago Tribune ran a story yesterday that warned Chicago drivers of the perils of messing with the Obamacade on the highway. Apparently there have been some incidents of people driving aggressively in an attempt to avoid the inconvenience, so people need to be reminded of why they shouldn’t let their road rage bubble in this particular incidence:
“Stay calm, slow down and don’t try to aggressively engage or get away from the motorcade,” Zahren advised.
And always remember why the windows are open in the security vehicles leading and tailing the president’s car: To give the sharpshooters inside a clean shot.
They also touched on something I discussed recently, regarding the difference between maneuvering the motorcade through Chicago, as opposed to DC.
In fact, the need for drivers to show deference to the presidential motorcade is more of an issue in Chicago than it is in Washington. That’s because in the nation’s capital, streets are completely cordoned off for the presidential motorcade, officials said. Other cities have different security protocols.
Well, in the article, they mention that southbound Lake Shore Drive is shut down when Obama travels on it. In two years in DC, I can’t remember a single instance when I was delayed because a major artery was closed to traffic for Bush, but perhaps that is purely coincidental (DC-ers, chime in if you have an anecdote!). And also, like I said before, they surely have a well-worn system in place, so the presidential motorcade is less noticeable to residents. Perhaps that is how things are going to be in Chicago soon:
When asked how the Chicago Police Department is balancing Obama’s security with the interests of drivers, police spokeswoman Monique Bond said drivers must adjust. “Presidential motorcades may be a permanent fixture of Chicago’s traffic routine,” she said.
While I’m sure Obama has no plans to move the White House to Chicago (could he?), we will be seeing more of his motorcade in the years to come. So even though the security makes us nervous, it’s important to remember they are there for everyone’s safety and they’re not going away anytime soon, so just deal with it!
