A moral quandary: Epilogue

I wrote to the bus company and sent the photos of their best and brightest texting while speeding down the New Jersey Turnpike. I wrestled with whether or not to turn him in. I surmised that it could cost him his job and I don't know if I want that on my hands.

In the end, I took the sage advice that the good Chef left in my comment section. When I was laid off in 2009, that dude provided some words of encouragement (first comment) that I revisited over and over again. They got me through a dark tunnel, so when he talks, I listen. I didn't identify the driver. I blackened out his face, thus:

My note to the bus bosses was dripping with my trademark Unbearable Sarcasm. I didn't expect to ever hear from them but they wrote back almost immediately.

Mark,

Thanks for sending this.

You are absolutely right that this type of action by the driver is unacceptable. The driver's action is not only contrary to company policy but, more importantly, illegal.

We hold countless safety meetings during each year and topics like cell phone use are discussed regularly.

For us to appropriately deal with this issue we would have to speak with the driver directly. Do you remember your departure time or the bus number?

Yes, I know the departure time and bus number because I wrote it down. But I haven't responded. I also know what "appropriately deal with this issue" is a euphemism for. I confided with another driver and he assured me this guy would be unceremoniously tossed out onto the cold, hard sidewalk. I've been tossed out onto the sidewalk, albeit with an apology and and a fat severance check, but it still sucked. I can't do that to another man. What a rotten manager I'd make. I guess I'm a people person after all.

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I know what you're thinking. You're thinking this is a plate of Mrs. Wife's astonishing, slow-cooked (six and a half hours!) pot roast. But you'd be wrong. This is a plate of autumn. It's a plate of changing leaves, a crisp breeze, thick woolen sweaters, first nights on Broadway, Sunday football and, soon enough, 5th Avenue adorned in bright holiday lights. I do a lot of complaining here but, honestly, I never lose sight of how lucky I am.