A welcome idea that ensures safety

I am absolutely baffled by the number of people bickering about implementing sobriety checkpoints. Just what exactly is so bad/wrong with them? Are you afraid you’re going to get caught?

A few minutes out of your day? That’s a violation of your rights? Just for a test. If you’re not impaired or haven’t been drinking, what do you have to worry about? Are you bickering just because you have to find something to complain about?

The only issue I would see if these sobriety checkpoints were run is that it will slow traffic flow in the areas being targeted. Well, if I had a dollar for every time I was caught in the Everett bottleneck and slowed to a stop for no reason at all, I could retire right now.

I would be more than happy to have my commute/travel slowed for the concern of my safety than for no reason at all (referring to the chaotic Everett I-5 northbound hell hole).

So if you and or a loved one is injured or, even worse, killed by an impaired driver, what are you going to do? Start complaining and filing lawsuits that nothing was done about it?

I say bring them on. I’d be more than happy to be stopped, checked, and thank our local law enforcement authorities for being proactive, than to be stopped by a head-on collision with a five-time DUI offender.

Police state? No wonder I go straight to the Opinion page first thing every day. It gets my blood pressure up and wakes me faster than a pot of coffee.

Don’t wait to start these, Gov. Gregoire. I may not agree with everything she stands for or has fought for, but this is the best plan I’ve seen in years.

Mike Habic

Marysville

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

A Sabey Corporation data center in East Wenatchee, Wash., on Nov. 3, 2024. The rural region is changing fast as electricians from around the country plug the tech industry’s new, giant data centers into its ample power supply. (Jovelle Tamayo/The New York Times)
Editorial: Protect utililty ratepayers as data centers ramp up

State lawmakers should move ahead with guardrails for electricity and water use by the ‘cloud’ and AI.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Saturday, Feb. 7

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Comment: Listening to, helping boys and men can help us all

State lawmakers can establish a state Boys and Men Commission to address the challenges they face.

Comment: LifeWise misreads Constitution in suing Everett Schools

Case law allows release time for off-campus religious instruction. Schools don’t have to promote it.

Comment: Without child care support, work stops; it’s simple

Families and employers depend on state child care assistance. Cuts to two programs would harm all.

Forum: Immigration raids involving children cause lasting trauma

The cruelty and terror inherent in raids by federal immigration agents cannot be allowednear children.

Forum: As go our forests, so goes our environmental future

The Trump administration’s move to end the Roadless Rule jeopardizes ancient forests and risks collapse.

Advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities rallied on the state capitol steps on Jan. 17. The group asked for rate increases for support staff and more funding for affordable housing. (Laurel Demkovich/Washington State Standard)
Editorial: Limit redundant reviews of those providing care

If lawmakers can’t boost funding for supported living, they can cut red tape that costs time.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Friday, Feb. 6

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

The Buzz: ‘Smile, Darn Ya, Smile’ when addressing the president

Reporters must remember to grin when asking President Trump about Epstein’s sexual assault victims.

Schwab: When you’re the president, they let you do anything

While Trump grifts for billions in his first year, Stephen Miller rethinks the non-rights of laborers.

Bill for cardiac response plans at schools can save lives of children

Recently, I visited Olympia to testify in front of the Senate Committee… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.