Disable Slide Bar??

This may be a dumb question but I can't figure it out. I got the Incredible a few weeks ago, and it really is amazing. However, one thing really annoys me. Whenever I want to do anything with my phone I have to: 1-Hit the top button 2-Move the slide bar down 3- Put in my unlock pattern.... I feel that if you use a unlock pattern the Slide Bar is just a waste of time. Unless I'm missing something I can't find where you can disable the slide bar. Can someone please help me out?? Thanks