Muscle Cars

The “carlords” are with us (“ ‘80s Muscle Cars: Power Grows Up,” Part I, Nov. 14). They have been for some time, but now are worse than ever.

In olden days the warlords ran roughshod over peaceful citizens with their mercenaries conquering neighboring lands. Now it’s the auto manufacturers who are increasing the horsepower of the engines because speed sells cars--and “damn the public, full speed ahead!”

Speed is the factor in at least 50% of auto accidents, but greed rhymes better with dollars! TV advertising is guilty also; just watch the car ads. The trick is to see how fast a car can round a turn without the tires squealing. Is it any wonder that “freeway cowboys” think that’s the way to drive?

There will never be safety on the roads until public outrage gets through to the executive suites of the car manufacturers.

ALLAN P. DIAS

Laguna Hills