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Today's Poll: Should law enforcement run DWI checkpoints?

By Howard B. Owens
Lorie Longhany

I hit the checkpoint on my way home from work on Saturday night on Oak St. While it kept me from getting home on time to watch the beginning of SNL, it didn't bother me a bit to answer the questions and show the officer that "No, I have not been drinking".

Mar 19, 2012, 10:52am Permalink
Rex Lampke

With freedom comes responsibility! The freedom to drink also requires the responsibility to not drive buzzed. It’s the same with anything. If we want the check points gone then we need to stop driving buzzed / drunk. I personally dislike the state being able to set up check points it smacks of totalitarianism but I understand why thy are there.

Mar 19, 2012, 1:05pm Permalink
Jeff Allen

Lorie, did it bother you when you got home and Charles Barkley was hosting SNL? He doesn't hold a candle to Peyton Manning when it comes to athlete hosts.

Mar 19, 2012, 5:46pm Permalink
Charlie Mallow

Driving is NOT a right, it's a privilege. Having to endure a few questions at a checkpoint isn't much to ask to eliminate even one death caused by a DWI.

Mar 19, 2012, 10:39pm Permalink
Bea McManis

John, the difference is you have a choice at an airport or building. Don't want to go through their checkpoint, don't go to the airport or don't enter the building. In either case, the police won't be chasing you down the street because you chose not to enter that building. They won't be chasing you through the airport because you chose not to go through the checkpoint. Broad examples, to be sure, but examples none the less.

I think the problem lies with the fact that the mere act of turning before a checkpoint makes everyone, not just those who avoid the checkpoint for whatever reason, suspect. Does that really sit well with those who protest government overreach?

Mar 20, 2012, 7:31am Permalink

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