Mad at petition
To the Editor:
Recently I was asked to sign a petition directed to Sen. Bill Nelson’s office. As a concerned citizen and Florida resident, I feel obligated and compelled to respond to the recent letter published in the Eagle entitled “Working to change the law.” There are perhaps many laws and regulations that are archaic in respect to modern times and I agree that many might require serious modifications. I can however, with all honesty and sincerity, state that this is certainly not one of them! This appears to be nothing short of a pathetic, one-dimensional plea by the petitioner for his reinstatement of a Florida drivers license and own personal benefit. The state of Florida recognizes the issuance of a vehicle operators license as “privilege” and as such it is not an obligation or requirement. This individual chose to abuse such privilege by getting not 1, 2, 3 or more DUI infractions. Being a multiple or habitual offender, this individual was deemed by the state as unfit and unworthy of his driving privilege and thereby permanently revocation was apples to keep him off the road. The hardship, suffrages and other proclaimed inconveniences associated with such a DUI permanent revocation are self-inflicted wounds and are pale in comparison to the may scars, injuries, loss of life and limb and countless other tragic circumstances as the result of a drunken driver. If you are going to paint a picture, do it completely. This issue cannot be candy coated by this individual, nor can the claim to made that I never hurt anyone. He should consider himself lucky if not blessed by intervention (divine or otherwise) that he was removed from the road before inflicting serious injury or death to himself, or worse, another.
The facts and statistics do not lie. Driving on today’s roads is dangerous in and of itself. The addition of drunken drivers only makes it more treacherous. I question, and seriously doubt, that any of the five listed accomplishments, if indeed they are true, would have ever been possible had this person not been caught and court-ordered to attend rehabilitative services, etc. Alcohol is a serious drug and when abused or misused becomes as deadly as any drug. It has ruined families, wrecked lives, caused more serious injuries and has little known positive health benefits. Especially, as with any drug, it is abused. The huge profits and associated pleasures as a result of its sale and consumption continue the proliferation of its place in society and keep alcohol alive and well.
Just remember this. If you must drink, drink responsibly. If you drink, do not drive. No exceptions, no excuses or be prepared to suffer the consequences!
Kraig Kupersmith
St. James City