Can Everyone Please Stop This Annoying Practice?

I'm really drilling down here on etiquette and language in general.

To me, there is very little that is more annoying than someone saying, "Can I ask you a question?" Well, first off, you already asked me a question, so why not just ask the question?

I guess people are trying to be polite, but I find it a waste of oxygen and/or time. Just ask the question and I'll either answer it or not. You have already invaded my space and my world by asking to ask. If you're truly concerned with my time just get on with it.

Now, does anybody have any questions?