Dear Editor,
When the driver of a motor vehicle enters a roundabout and is driving over both lanes at the same time (over the division line) and as he is ready to exit the roundabout encounters a pedestrian crossing the street via the by sign indicated pedestrian crossing, who instead of stopping to let the pedestrian cross, and instead of stopping for the pedestrian, goes by the pedestrian and continues his way, is that responsible driving?
When two motor vehicles approaching the roundabout from different roads at the same time and the driver of the motor vehicle coming from the road on the left increases his speed and blows loudly at the other driver for not yielding right of way to him, what is that driver thinking?
When those motorbike riders continuously demonstrate disregard for the traffic rules by their reckless behaviour in traffic, what maturity and sense of responsibility can anyone expect of them?
When the driver of a motor vehicle, suddenly decides to drive completely to his left of the road, stops his motor vehicle on the road in front of a snack truck, gets out of the car in front of the snack truck to collect a drink and then gets back into the car and drives back to the right of the road, completely disregarding the traffic rules while disrupting the traffic, who is responsible for that?
My father used to tell me in the beginning when I started to work and explained to him that some of my school mates were acting strange when we met socially. "My son, people, who don't like themselves are the ones who don't appreciate the police". He would say, "If I know that the police is the person (entity) paid to be vigilant of and authorised to correct negative behavior of individuals. as well as the community in general, why should I do wrong and not expect the police to do what they are paid to do? The saying "one cannot be wrong and strong" is in place here.
By the way, even though a few days late, I would like to give kudos to MP George Panthophlet for his response to Robbie Ferron's last published letter to you reacting to MP Panthophlet's letter in which he suggested that the loan be turned into a grant. My father would say "If you can't say anything uplifting, don't say anything" So, I will leave it there.
Being vigilant was what I did for more than forty-one years, so I am aware of changes. I suddenly got what should be an itemised receipt for my goods at the place where I shopped. At the least, I must admit that my writing to you met with a response, yes, but I made it my business as we would say and checked to see if the other shoppers received a receipt and that was not the case. I cannot determine why not, but I would like for the permitholder of that place of business to do what has to be done in a correct way, otherwise, I will find myself writing again. I do not only shop at one place, so I should not have to get the feeling that they have to make sure to give me a receipt. Everybody should get an itemised receipt.
Let me bring this to the attention of who is involved. Before all of these different government departments were manned by civil servants, the police used to do all the controlling. So, I believe I know something about the ins and outs of the laws of the land. I continue to complain about civics not being taught in school, exactly because of this kind of not-so-nice behaviour of those involved.
Those who desire to live honestly, who want their lives to display faithfulness and authenticity, make choices based on what is true, rather than what is expedient. And I must add that the integrity of the upright leads them. Growing up, I served the altar (altar boy) since I was seven years old. Because of my job I stopped when I was twenty-two. During that period, I served at many funerals and I have attended many funerals, but I cannot remember ever seeing money or anything valuable in anyone's casket.
I am also still waiting to see what a money-sandwich looks like.
Russell A. Simmons
