California ideas . . .

I heard on the radio news that there have been objections to the DUI checkpoints that are put up to catch drunk drivers especially during 'drinking' holidays. Statistics show that this does prevent more car accidents and deaths when the drunken drivers are caught before they do damage to others or themselves. Well, in all their collective wisdom (and I ain't saying a word here!), it has been deemed profiling because many of the people going through these checkpoints don't have valid drivers' licenses. Huh? Isn't it the law to be registered at the Department of Motor Vehicles? Would traveling in another country give us this much respect if we didn't have proper documentation there?

This is not a matter of profiling but upholding the laws that let us drive on the roads. Driving is not a right but an earned privilege that comes with responsibility. If you don't bother with proper documentation for operating a vehicle, what are the chances you have insurance in case of a mishap? Another benefit of the checkpoints is that criminals are sometimes discovered, parole violators, etc. Seems like a good system to me. Not to some areas of California, however.

To further reduce the effectiveness of protecting us on the road, it has been suggested that the police notify the cities where and when there will be DUI checkpoints. In case one forgets, signs might be posted to warn you that if you do not turn at this corner, you will be stopped at a checkpoint at the next one.

One person actually said that she is working, does own a car, but can't afford insurance but is sure people will understand that she is a hard worker and doing her best. Not sure I would if my insurance had to cover me when she comes up uninsured. In fact, my college daughter learned how to drive but can't drive because we can't afford insurance for her while she is in school. Driving is not an entitlement program.

If you have nothing to hide, this checkpoint shouldn't bother you. If you are drinking, this checkpoint situation might save your life. If you are an innocent driver, having a drunk stopped at a checkpoint could well extend your own life. If people breaking the law are caught . . . Sigh . . . still can't see the problem here.