Lesson for Scofflaw

Michael Granberry’s story “Scooter Scofflaws” (Nov. 17) struck me as an interesting commentary as to the values and attitudes of some of today’s young men and women. As a U.S. Naval officer, I sometimes wonder where today’s youth get their perspectives and priorities in life, especially toward authority figures, rules, regulations and accountability. “Scofflaw” Schrider’s comments, in particular, were very disturbing to me. She said, “I don’t think it’s fair . . . I suppose it’s our responsibility to get the license. . . . “ Welcome to the real world, young lady, it is your responsibility. Her subsequent comment on planning to get a license, but “too many other things--like my life--kept interfering” is a total cop-out. She should have said, “Even though I’m 18 years old, I don’t have the maturity or ability to get my priorities straight.” This is in contrast to another youth in the story, Mike McNutt, a 15 1/2-year-old sophomore who has not only obtained a class IV permit, but was also pictured wearing a full-face helmet (kudos, Mike!).

I suggest “Scofflaw” Schrider high-tail it down to the nearest DMV (legally, of course) and get her Class IV permit. While she’s down there, I also suggest that she find time to sign up for the state’s organ donor program. Riding a motor scooter on a highway makes her, in my opinion, a prime candidate to become a highway death statistic. At least someone may potentially benefit from her cavalier and irresponsible attitude if she signs up for the program.

In closing, I don’t know if anyone in North County sells mauve colored helmets, but “Scofflaw” Schrider might be able to find a helmet that is functional and still looks good, if she’s got the time to shop for one.

Lt. JOSEPH L. BRIDGE

Chula Vista