Snarling About Snow

Today is our second day back after an unexpected break due to snow. Road conditions made it unsafe in many parts of our district for buses and cars to be out driving. At such times, you hear complaints from many residents who come from more snowy parts of our country, such as the midwest and New England.

These people are usually disgusted by our inability to deal with snow and ice in our area. They don't seem to understand that the relative rarity of snow makes it impractical to have and maintain snow removal equipment, so local governments have minimal numbers of snowplows and sanders. This fact, along with the inexperience of northwest natives driving in these conditions, tends to make driving a nightmare.

If this is really such an intolerable situation for non-native northwesterners, complaining will do nothing but create additional stress and tension. Employers need to be more flexible and understanding of their employees with children, especially when emergency child care is a problem. Not everybody has options in such a situation.

Finally, if my words aren't enough to smooth over the anger, read this article by a friend.