Sobriety Checkpoints: Safety Versus Privacy Intrusions

I am very much concerned about the rights of individuals, and I view with trepidation the intrusion of undue police surveillance into our lives. I am also a member of the ACLU, but I part company over the issue of sobriety checkpoints designed to reduce drunk driving.

I am appalled by the number of innocent people killed by drunk drivers. And I am convinced that much of the reckless driving I see on the freeways must be due to alcohol in the bloodstream of the drivers.

If we have to check drivers, and punish those who insist on driving while under the influence of alcohol, in order to protect the innocent in our society, I say, so be it.

Let’s do what is necessary, but let’s do it while protecting the rights of our citizens. Isn’t that what getting drunks off the highways is really all about anyway?

JAMES L. BOONE

Irvine