Coupla points:
1. If "Paula" didn't make a point of announcing "her" transgendered state, cabbies would probably think "she" looked odd but would pick her up.
2. How come 50% of cabbies in Minneapolis are Somali? Who owns the companies?
3. Where do the cabbies draw the line? What percent of alcohol is needed? Some mouthwash and food flavorings have alcohol as a component.
Agree with you on number one. He probably thought he was being sensitive and thoughtful, but in this case discretion would have been wiser.
regarding your Nr. 2..
they're just doin the job americans won't do..(I wonder what percentage of those somali's are here legally??)