pdq, it isn't "Indian activists" alone who claim the higher Indian population pre-Columbus. It's folks who study the spread of disease from early coastal contact, anthropologists, statisticians doing the math, etc.--some of these are Indians, a lot of them aren't.

My pickup truck was very handy yesterday morning when the freeway was at a standstill due to two lanes closed ahead. I have a favorite informal "Texas offramp" (tire ruts through the grass) that took me over to the frontage road and out of the congestion. I've noticed that cars are less likely to take those exits than trucks--probably for good reason. But it is a nice option (as long as there isn't a cop around writing tickets!)

SRS