There is no doubt that the driving with a cell phone ban is a blundering, awkward attempt at curbing accidents caused by divided attention. This does not make Mathew Gomes’ Sept. 8 article any less irresponsible and idiotic.

Driving is the most dangerous activity that 90 percent of us engage in, and Mr. Gomes explicitly endorses behavior that would make that activity even more dangerous.

Opposing unjust laws is rooted strongly in our American tradition, but should be reserved for laws that truly inhibit our life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. None of these three dear things are infringed when we are told to hold off on our constant cell phone chatter when we are operating a huge metal speeding battering ram.

With all of the insanity that is raging in the criminal justice system today, it is embarrassing that Mr. Gomes chooses this minor, albeit incomplete, law to whine about.

If he’s joking, it’s a silly waste of column space that gives that kind of indignant self-indulgence shelter. If he’s not, it’s a blatant endorsement of a selfish, reckless attitude.

Jack Welter
Criminology
Junior