Letters to the editor

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

For many a license to drive is synonymous with freedom. However, too often, we hear the horror stories of teen deaths caused by driving inexperience.

Many states now impose restrictions on teen driving through graduated licensing programs. The programs entail a moderated process that teens must complete in order to receive full driving privileges.

Today all states have these programs, but their restrictions vary greatly and those with the most restrictions have lower fatality rates. In order to increase the safety of inexperienced drivers and other motorists, a national licensing program should be put into effect across the United States.

Graduated licensing programs have so far proven to have many positive results. However, unfortunately, around the country, not all of the programs are maximizing teen safety as they should be.

The beginning driving age, the amount of time spent in the learning phase, the limit of passengers and the teen driver's curfew are all variations seen among the state programs. Studies have proven that there are certain minimal requirements in these programs that increase teen safety and, sadly, many of the state programs do not meet these requirements. A national program should be put in place to increase safety across the country.

More than half of teen driving accidents are caused by poor driving habits. Studies show that there are several key factors that provide increased safety to teens. It has been proven that the best age for obtaining a learner's permit is 16 and teens should hold that permit for at least six months but not receive full driving privileges until they turn 18. A limit on the amount of passengers a teen can carry and a midnight curfew have also increased safety.

The bottom line is a life in California is no different than one in Massachusetts, so we should be strive to protect everyone in our country to the best of our ability. A national program would increase safety, something we should want for every teen.

Alison Snow
601 Seldon Drive
Winchester
Jan. 14, 2012
Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

I just thought of a great way to improve our balance of trade problem and help the economy: Withdraw the 30,000 of our troops from South Korea and also the 20,000 of troops in Germany and Japan and let them spend some of their budget on their own defense. They all have booming economies and should have no problem providing for their defense.

Now guess who has the most advanced weapons in the world. The USA. And when countries purchase everything from Humvees to drones for surveillance, they want the most advanced gear and planes. This would provide a number of jobs in the defense industry.

We can no longer protect the world. It is only fair that other countries share the burden. The war in Iraq cost approximately $1 trillion. Any intervention should have been instigated by the U.N., not the USA.

JIM N. SMITHLIN
209 Blue Valley Road
Linden
Jan. 16, 2012

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Responding to Jay Sperry (letter, Dec. 16 issue): Finally, I get a response from a Mt. Jackson resident.

How many times I've sought election to council, mayor or supervisor or how many votes I received in those elections don't matter or bother me, but I got your attention and I hope council's, the mayor's, the supervisors' and others.

In expressing my views, I'm sure some will disagree with me, but that's OK because everyone is entitled to his own views.

My thrust isn't about me; it's about low-income retirees and low wage earners who cannot afford to pay higher taxes, rates and fees imposed by council and the Board of Supervisors.

If council and the supervisors were properly representing the town's and District 2's taxpaying residents' best interests, instead of increasing our taxes, I wouldn't be the least bit interested in being a council member, mayor or supervisor.

Let's be reasonable. Every elected office should have a revolving door and every election the incumbent exits at the same time the newly elected enters. Hogwash with re-election, political experience and acclamation. One four-year term and you're gone.
I'm not a genius, but I am a taxpaying retiree, trying to survive in this corrupt society that I have no control over but am forced to financially support.

I propose positive changes that benefit everyone. What positive changes have you proposed, Jay?

I have "nothing to get over" because I'm not a quitter when there's a common cause that benefits everyone and even if I received only one vote in a dozen elections, that's one more than you received because you weren't a candidate.

But you can place your name on the ballot with mine in the town election in May 2012 and, if you do, I challenge you to a public debate on the issues. You name the date, time and place and I'll be there.

Hobby? My hobbies are helping the elderly and spending time with kids -- both are rewarding. Thank you.

I appreciate your response, Jay, and I'd like to hear other responses, as well.

AL ASBURY
101 Perry Trailer Park Road
Mt. Jackson
Jan. 10, 2012