His name is Steven Simonar and he wasn’t famous until he got a $175 fine for not wearing a seatbelt during a police blitz in Saskatoon.  He didn’t have his seatbelt on and he got a ticket but today, he is fighting back blaming his disability and lack of common sense. Steven has no arms so owns the disability and the lack of common sense is owned by the police. Provincial Law is clear but also allows for medical exemption easily obtained by a doctor and processed by the licensing division of the government.  Steven claims he didn’t know about this exemption believing that since he can’t put one on, common sense should dictate the obvious and now that he has a ticket, it isn’t his fault.  Mr. Simonar; your perspective is deserving of respect and not having ever met you, I can only speculate on your motives and mean absolutely no disrespect.  But having spent significant time with Saskatchewan media today, you are going to think I am being exactly that.

I am taking the side of law enforcement.  I have been pulled over more times than I can remember for exactly the same issue and knowing how I am responsible for my driving and can’t wear a seatbelt, I made it a point as soon as the laws were passed to find out what I needed to make sure I wasn’t breaking any rules.  I am truly not suggesting I am better than you, just different in my belief system. I was also raised to see driving as a privilege not a right.  Mr. Simonar is also living a different reality as he lost his arms where I was born without them. That difference can be significant on psychology.  He has been able to adapt somewhat the same as me but his vehicle is a great example of our difference.  I do not have an adapted vehicle where he does.  I steer with my right foot on the wheel and left foot for the gas/brake.   I have also  been using me feet since birth but learning to use them in mid-life would be a major challenge so please understand I have great respect for what you have achieved, sir.  I have also not lived your recovery and that essence is my point.

I sense an anger at perceived mistreatment and not having been there, I can only speculate but I have over fifty years of experience and if there is one incredible irony, here it is.  I have never and will never expect special treatment and for people with disabilities who do, I am not judging. I am fairly clear that so called “normal” people have challenges of their own and all humanity deserves respect but overly sensitive, “politically correct” minority groups often struggle with what I am trying to say.  I am fully supportive of activism and have witnessed first hand what can and has changed since I was born.  Having said that, we are in 2013 and I  think pursuing “rights” has declining relevance as the clear majority of people I meet treat me very well, and that includes law enforcement.

Just pay the fine Steven, get your medical exemption and chalk it up to lesson learned!