March On, Bill Burton — But Not Over the Speed Limit
Dear Bay Weekly:
A solid red lights means stop. A blinking red light means stop and proceed with caution. A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution. All roads are posted with signs that clearly indicate speed limits. It is the driver’s choice to obey or violate these standardized rules of the road. All drivers are required to pass a driver’s exam that means that we clearly understand the rules of the road. Those who choose to violate those rules know the consequences — regardless if they are caught by police or by photographs.
When my father taught me how to drive, his words of wisdom were to “always drive as if a police car was following.” During my 47 years of driving, I have never had an accident and was fined for only one traffic violation for failing to stop at a stop sign that I did not see.
Drivers who are caught violating motor vehicle laws should pay the consequences regardless of how they are caught. Amen Bill Burton.
— Francis R. Gouin, Deale
To read Bill Burton’s column from last week, click here.
From Hayes-Williams, Thanks and a Pledge
Dear Bay Weekly:
Martha Blume’s article [“Black History — Pass It on Down: For Janice Hayes-Williams, History Is Among Us,” Vol. X, No. 7, Feb. 14-20] was wonderful and much more than I expected.
I want to thank Bay Weekly for having the compassion to tell it like it is. This is truly my passion and with my three angels — Joan Scurlock, Phebe Jacobsen and Jack Kelbaugh — I’m confident that the hidden histories of the city of Annapolis will be told in a manner that all people will be proud of.
The section on my children made it extra special. The night before I picked up your paper, my daughter Stacie wrote an essay for a school project about her hero for Black History Month. It was me! I cried. I could not believe what she had written.
I’m sure my children get tired of being involved in what I do, but I need to keep them close. The world as we know it is not as friendly as what they see on their sitcoms. I just want them to be proud of who they are and to carry on their legacy.
— Janice Hayes-Williams, Annapolis
Thanks, Chris Heagy, for a Good Story
Dear Bay Weekly:
Wow! I just read Chris Heagy’s Valentine Day story [“Still Looking for Love: The Love Doctor’s Advice,” Vol. X, No. 6, Feb. 7-13], and I am just so relieved and refreshed. Because his pitiful saga makes me look like a love/life expert? No. No piece of writing could accomplish that huge task.
It is so nice to read a good, entertaining piece of writing.
It might sound strange that a decent essay could impress me so much, but if you had been checking 12th grade English papers all night, trust me, you’d be right there with me. I now have a new and deep respect for anyone who engages in any kind of professional instruction.
— Rachel Presa, Atlantic Beach, NC
Editor’s note: Presa, who is now teaching high school English, was a summer intern last year at Bay Weekly.
We welcome your letters and opinions. We will edit when necessary. Include your name, address and phone number for verification. Mail them to Bay Weekly, P.O. Box 358, Deale, MD 20751 • E-mail them to us at [email protected].
