Thou shall not kill...

but what if it was an accident and a lightening fast rodent destined to end its own life? Here's the scenario.

As I am leaving for work this morning, I approach the intersection of Cactus and 36th, and in my peripheral vision I see a squirrel at the side of the road. He's crouched at like that of an Olympic sprinter, beady eyes locked on mine, he's in that position that screams "I'm gonna go, I'm gonna go, I'm gonna go". Anticipating my furry friend to dart out any moment I begin to slow down, and then THUMP. The experience was so traumatic I can barely remember anything, but he must have given me some indication of movement, because I slammed on my brakes. I guess my cat like reflexes are more closely matched to that of a baby giraffe, and thus that Paradise Valley squirrel met it's fate.

But the question remains...is eternal damnation still a fitting punishment? Do the Ten Commandments have an accidental death clause, or a human-only loop hole? Perhaps I was not at fault. Perhaps that squirrel was in great pain and begging for a way out, and chose my front left tire as its weapon of choice. Or perhaps my clumsy reflexes have caused great squirrel anguish across America. Regardless, please say some Hail Mary's for me and my tainted soul, so I won't be condemned to fiery wrath of Hell...well, at least not for this sin anyway :-)