by James J. Baxter, President, NMA - National Motorists Association

13NATIONAL MOTORISTS ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION NEWSMembers Writecontinued from previous pageYour article in the January/February 2002 issue of NMAFNEWS (Uncomfortable Situations)misses a very important point.Traffic Police in the United States(along with most Third WorldCountries) can arrest and have aperson convicted with no proof ofthe charges. Not stopping for arevenuer is an affront to his authorityand also cuts into his productiontime. A very real possibility is that adriver who doesn't immediately pullover could be additionally chargedwith evading arrest, not yielding toan emergency vehicle displayingwarning lights, or whatever elsecould be thought up. Of course, thatis assuming the traffic stop is real.Unmarked cop cars is an issuewhich has concerned me ever since Isaw a motorist pulled over by one ina remote section of the Utah desert.The car had an official look to meonly because a handful of men underthe age of 60 drive big Ford CrownVictorias—but what if it had been aCamaro? The closest town was atleast 20 minutes away at 80 mph.And, if the driver made it that far,who knows where the police stationwould be located. I know a guy whowas pulled over outside of LasVegas by a red Jeep Cherokee drivenby an officer in plain clothes. If hehad not stopped, certainly he wouldhave experienced more than just awritten citation. However, if the Jeephad been driven by a criminal, hewould now be wishing he would nothave stopped (assuming he wouldstill be alive to do so).D HeffingtonLas Vegas, NVEditor's note: It is true that thearticle didn't cover all situations andthat some of these actions wouldn'tbe appropriate at certain times.There are so many factors involvedthat we can't tell you what youshould or shouldn't do. But, we cangive you options that you can weighfor yourself, which was the purposeof the article.In response to the road signs inRedwood California that read "WhatDon't You Understand About 25mph?" (January/February 2002 issueof NMAF NEWS, News FromAround The Country on page 10),someone should post a placardunderneath stating, "Why?" Such aposting would arguably be legal asjustified by the invitation of theposting and as a free speech politicalresponse to a government-sponsoredpolitical message.Brian Graffman Esq.,Spring Valley, New YorkA town hall on drunk drivingaired on CSPAN during Christmasweek. I think it was actually tapedsometime in November. It wassickening to hear them spout offabout wanting more sobrietycheckpoints and more technology toimprove detection. These town hallsapparently happen at least once ayear. Maybe the NMA could inviteitself to participate in 2002 meeting.One comment was made that offereda question as to why there weren'tmore people at the town hall. Theyindicated that they thought perhapspeople were becoming disinterestedin the subject. I guess if you keepcrying "Wolf" so much, that happens.Also on CSPAN, the guest forthis last week's Booknotes was BillPress with a new book out aboutspin. I thought what a great "spin"that MADD generates. In fact thewhole Public Safety Industry is spinat its best.Our Legislative session starts thefirst of March (I think) here inOklahoma. Although I'm not yetsure, I look for a Red Light CameraBill to be reintroduced again thisyear. This will be the third year forits introduction. One more quickcomment. I was encouraged by theinterest in the special NMAFoundation Grant that membersoverwhelmingly responded too.I'm sure the NMA will put it togood use.Charles FrentzelBixby, OklahomaTrustcontinued from page 5debate will test whether road users stillhave any clout in Washington. Thehighway lobby's record has been prettydismal in recent years. What was apowerful group of interests when theTrust Fund was enacted in 1956 isrunning out of steam. The vision of acoast-to-coast freeway system nolonger motivates voters. Two hundredmillion American drivers don't knowthe Trust Fund exists, rendering itdefenseless against raids from specialinterests who know exactly how rich itis, and think they deserve a cut of it.If you're reading this, you are thelast line of defense for good roads inthe United States. Will you speak up indefense of your gas taxes?Visit one of the NMA web sitesfor more motorist information.www.motorists.orgwww.speedtrap.orgwww.roadblock.orgMARCH/APRIL 2002