“They” are always easy to identify with a little thought. It’s just a convenient shorthand when who they are isn’t important ATM. Then someone who thinks it is, like the little fellow here, can always ask for clarification; in this case, likely the local constabulary and/or worried parents tracing the route.
I don’t know that it’s a uniquely American usage, but it sounds American because it fits in with what Americans like to do with the language: keep it short, informal, efficient, and flexible. Or so they tell me.
I got in late yesterday so I didn’t post. However, the comic artist used a little dramatic leeway for effect. As you can see, the bus is close to the edge but the children are off safely. We could only pray that if our children and grand-children are involved in such as this they will be as fortunate as these.
I agree with you OzzieJohn why would a pupil/student/rider on a school bus call what happen in driver should have radio to dispatcher. I know this is a comic strip and someone has to be a hero, though shouldn’t be a child and there should be no hero.
OzzieJohn over 13 years ago
Driver hasn’t got a radio or cellphone??? What’s company procedure in the event of a breakdown?
axe-grinder over 13 years ago
Text him!
ocean17 over 13 years ago
“They” are always easy to identify with a little thought. It’s just a convenient shorthand when who they are isn’t important ATM. Then someone who thinks it is, like the little fellow here, can always ask for clarification; in this case, likely the local constabulary and/or worried parents tracing the route.
I don’t know that it’s a uniquely American usage, but it sounds American because it fits in with what Americans like to do with the language: keep it short, informal, efficient, and flexible. Or so they tell me.
Ravenswing over 13 years ago
Good for little Boog!
pawpawbear over 13 years ago
I got in late yesterday so I didn’t post. However, the comic artist used a little dramatic leeway for effect. As you can see, the bus is close to the edge but the children are off safely. We could only pray that if our children and grand-children are involved in such as this they will be as fortunate as these.
kab2rb over 13 years ago
I agree with you OzzieJohn why would a pupil/student/rider on a school bus call what happen in driver should have radio to dispatcher. I know this is a comic strip and someone has to be a hero, though shouldn’t be a child and there should be no hero.
436rge over 13 years ago
Watch Joel and Rufus come by with their donkey cart and load the kids in it!
pawpawbear over 13 years ago
I would trust Joel and Rufus more than the bus driver at this point. Donkeys go slow and are sure footed.
PoppaBob Premium Member over 13 years ago
Isn’t Slim the one that has the GA tow truck?
marvee over 13 years ago
Rover will come to the rescue and the forgotten lunch will stay forgotten. All well that ends well.
shel4 over 13 years ago
I really hope this doesn’t turn out to be one of those long, drawn out Rufus and Joel operations.
comic-reader over 13 years ago
gary larson answered that question a long time ago “you, bernie horowitz, your the ‘they’ in that’s what they say?”
Airboy20 over 13 years ago
Maybe the radio is on the bus and the driver’s afraid to go back on it!