Another Way to Girard

I can give many reasons why we need to police ourselves better. At the top of the list is the jerk who ran the red light at the Route 224-Tippecanoe Road intersection, making a left turn, as I proceeded into the intersection in the opposite direction. I duly noted the name of the company on the side of the truck, owned by a friend of mine, and will make appropriate telephone calls tomorrow. It was some kid driving the truck while jabbering on his cell phone. It was close.

In tonight's paper, however, it was reported that Mayor Melfi of Girard and his city council, in a 4-3 vote, are moving forward with its plans to put cameras on the streets to monitor speed. The fine for going over 25 mph in Girard: $170.00. Really makes you want to go to Girard, huh? I wonder how long the citizens of Girard will tolerate the demands of having to drive perfect 24/7 before they get tired of what is nothing more than a tax on themselves. Let's face it. How many people actually drive 25 mph through Girard, and I mean the people who live there. This is being done notwithstanding that the Ohio legislature is attempting to bring a degree of sanity to the Nazis among us by requiring that a police officer be present when the monitoring device is functional. It passed the House, and is currently in the Senate.

Imagine cameras on Western Reserve Road, where the speed limit changes numerous times over a 5 mile stretch. Or how about in Canfield where for reasons known but to God and the Canfield City fathers, the speed limit on Herbert Road is 25 mph. It is so ridiculous it is laughable.

Tonight I went to the pharmacy to buy some Sudafed for my sinuses. The sign said it was now behind the pharmacy counter, and I had to go there to get it and pay for it there. The pharmacist looked at me suspiciously when I asked for a 40 tablet box. When I asked him what was going on he said it was a "new state law" in Ohio. I told him I am a lawyer and I know for a fact that is not the case and the behind the counter policy is Rite Aid policy. (Ohio is considering making it mandatory, but it is not there yet.) He asked if it was my intent to operate a meth lab. I politely paid for the "stuff" and left.

While both of the above have legitimate reasons for their being, the net effect is "big brother" rearing its ugly head. The effect of this type of behavior monitoring is the criminalization of ordinary, law abiding citizens who are just human. How much of our freedom are we willing to sacrifice? Can you stand to be montitored all day, every day? In the meantime, find another way to get to the Eastwood Mall other than through Girard. Try Route 46 through Niles.

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