08/25/2006

Letters to the Editor

'Investigation' laughable

Don't worry a minute about drunk driving. If you should crash into a utility pole, simply get out of your wrecked vehicle and high-tail it for home. When and if Grand Traverse County's finest ever catch up with you, just refuse to cooperate with them. Just ask (Michigan State Police trooper) David Meder. It worked for him.

You may even go as far as to fabricate some lengthy saga to your local insurance agent claiming your car was stolen.

There is currently an "internal probe" taking place in Lansing regarding Meder's unconscionable behavior. Hmm, I wonder what the outcome of this "internal probe" will be. What we do know for sure (according to Capt. Tim Rod, Traverse City Post) is that any disciplinary action would involve comparison with similar violations within the state police "so it would be fair and consistent throughout the state."

Ha ha ha. That is hilarious. I'm laughing so hard I can hardly hold my pen to write. There is nothing fair or consistent about this entire farce.

In closing, if you're employed by Grand Traverse County either in the executive or judicial branches of our local government and aren't embarrassed — you should be.

Tass Belanger
Traverse City

Confusing traffic signs

Maybe someone out there could tell all of your readers just why road construction signs are still up on the Parkway for the intersection work at Division, and especially why the "Right lane closed ahead" sign is still up on Division north of Front Street?

Is the company that did the work being paid for these signs when they are still up? Just wondering, as it has been many days now since construction ceased and the signs are still there causing traffic problems and confusion.

To the "powers" in charge — ever wonder why most drivers do not obey signs in construction zones? It is because there usually is no one in these zones working!

Jim Kaiser
Maple City

Inequity still exists

Many issues have been resolved since women gained the right to vote by passage of the 19th Amendment on Aug. 26, 1920. However, pay equity remains unresolved.

In 2004, a college-educated woman working full time earned just $31,223 a year, compared to $40,798 for a college-educated man — a stark difference of $9,575.

Join with the American Association of University Women in remembering our invincible suffragette ancestors.

Eleanor Tacke
Interlochen
The writer is president of the
American Association of University Women,
Traverse City Area

A different picture

The featured picture of Hezbollah titled "Every Bit Helps" on the front page of the Record-Eagle (Aug. 17) (of Hezbollah supporters sweeping a street) says a thousand words. Your headline and picture bring a new clarity to an issue. This is your mission and you carry it out with zeal.

I have been led to believe by other sources such as the Wall Street Journal that Hezbollah is a terrorist organization that uses women and children as suicide bombers and receives extensive funding from Iran to carry out its objective of killing the infidel and Israelis. You have helped me see another side to Hezbollah. They appear to be concerned citizens rebuilding their community. Both the government of Lebanon and the United Nations should have no difficulty in disarming these "concerned citizens."

Philip Gannon
Traverse City