So when I read that NY (and likely most other places) has long ago turned off any functionality behind the crosswalk buttons, it hurts. Even though I’ve long believed they made no difference, it hurts to know that you have no power. You’re at the whim of whatever algorithm the light has been programmed to obey.

Sadly, I bet even if there was a sign above every one that told you the button was non-functional people would push it anyway. I’m sure there’s a deep comment on society that I could make there. But all I keep thinking is that I’d push it anyway too. Just on the hope that maybe … just maybe I somehow did have just the slightest bit of control.