Is texting and walking really a crime?

When the city called for a ban on using electronic devices while driving, most people were on board.

Sure, it was a huge inconvenience for people like me, who like to dangerously multitask while commuting. But we had to respect the purpose of the new law: to keep us safe.

Now the city wants to ban crossing the street while holding — not just using — an electronic device. That includes cell phones, video games, iPods and even cameras.

Doesn’t that sound, well, a bit extreme?

What next, banning pedestrians from chewing gum, drinking a Diet Coke, twirling a baton?

Anyone else got a problem with this proposed bill?