Published: August 31, 2009 06:51 pm      

LETTERS: Sept. 1, 2009

Veteran unhappy with Hill remarks

As a twice-wounded Marine officer, I have proven that I took my oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States seriously.

Therefore, I deeply resent being called a “political terrorist” by my Congressman Baron Hill.

On more than one occasion 40 years ago, I ordered and led Marines in to the face of an opposition force that used machine guns, rifles, RPG's and hand grenades against me.

Consequently, I think you can rightfully assume what I think of the intestinal fortitude of my Congressman Baron Hill who is afraid to meet with his constituents because he doesn't want to face opposition that is only throwing words at him.

— Nick McIntosh, New Albany



Legislators need to stand up against distraction

Why don’t our legislators have the courage to go against public opinion when it is perfectly obvious that public opinion is not always the best opinion to possess?

A case in point, there have been several articles in newspapers and magazines concerning the hazards of driving automobiles, particularly when engaging in other activities. Cell phones have already become a ubiquitous cause of driver distraction and consequent accidents.

Medical research has shown, irrefutably, that the human brain cannot multi-task. John J. Medina, M.D., a renowned researcher, author and teacher, states in his recent book, “Brain Rules,” that “Multitasking, when it comes to paying attention, is a myth — to put it bluntly, research shows that we cannot multitask, we are biologically incapable of processing attention-rich inputs simultanelously — we must jump from one thing to the next.”

He further cites research evidence that a cell phone talker is one-half second slower to hit the brakes in emergencies, slower to return to a normal speed after an emergency, etc. Remember also that at 70 miles per hour, we travel 51 feet in one-half second.

Remember the old adage, You can’t do two things at once?

Our legislators, who have demanded seat belts to protect drivers and their passengers, helmets for cyclists, inspections to be sure that lights and brakes, etc., are functional, seem reluctant to ban such a hazardous item that is not only a threat to the driver and passengers, but also to other innocent parties, with whom he shares the road.

The wonders and marvels of modern communications, and our civilization as a whole, are fine and useful. But talking on the telephone, putting on lipstick, or lighting a pipe, have been proved to be distracting. Inattention has been proved to be a major cause of automobile accidents. Unless our legislators plan to use the increased highway carnage as a method of populaton control, I suggest they enact legislation to ban those activities, which are responsible for so many accidents on the highways.

I further suggest stiff penalties, including high fines, that would support the program.

— Daniel H. Cannon, M.D., New Albany