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EDITOR’s VIEW
Local lawmakers
wage war on
“road rage”
Many people live in their vehicles – and not necessarily
by choice. It’s no wonder people tend to become hostile drivers putting
others at risk of becoming seriously injured, or even worse, dead.
Those who spend hour after hour on the road seem to forget
that they are operating a potentially deadly weapon.
Some call these people “aggressive drivers,” others call it “road rage.”
But regardless, it’s becoming an increasing problem and Michigan lawmakers
want it to end.
Currently, there are two bills under discussion in the
state legislature aimed at putting a damper on Michigan drivers deemed
as road ragers – individuals who use their vehicles as a weapon.
If passed, those who commit “multiple, simultaneous driving
violations” could be charged with “road rage” by authorities.
Hmm, so what’s classified as “road rage?” With the
majority of OU’s students being commuters, we have all seen examples at
one time or another. And, lately, it even seems to be a popular topic
of conversation on the morning shows of local radio stations.
Cruising I-75 day after day, morning after morning, I
can attest to witnessing many incidents of “road rage,” and honestly, I
have even felt the urge to rip my steering wheel off the dashboard in order
to prevent myself from committing an inexcusable act while on the road.
That must be the difference between those who follow through
with crazy thoughts of aggressive behavior, and those who have the same
thought but have the strength to refrain.
Last week while driving to school, traveling in the fast
lane cruising at about 75 mph I saw a black Firebird approaching quickly.
I moved to the next lane– the driver in front of me didn’t. The poor
fellow, traveling at nearly 80 mph, became subject to a hostile, impatient
tailgater. The inhabitant of the Firebird began flashing his
brights, waving his hands and nearly ran the guy off the road. That
was “road rage.”
And, this is not an isolated incident, but it was one
that didn’t become deadly. In October, a West Bloomfield man was
killed after he swerved into an oncoming truck on I-275 while going to
battle with another vehicle.
Many of us may think our area has more than its share
of horribly aggressive drivers on the road, and we do, but we’re not the
worst. According to a Lansing-based polling firm, 6.9 million drivers
in Michigan are labeled “aggressive drivers” by authorities. According
to a report in the Detroit News, that’s not enough to put us in the top
10 worst metro areas, thank heavens. But we are ranked 18th, which
is nothing to brag about.
For the amount of time many of us spend on the road, we
should start making a conscious effort at making them safe – it could save
another life, or even our own.
Next time you feel your eyebrows cross, steam coming out
your ears and totally irate at the driver in front of you, sit back and
remember, you’ll get to where you want to go – intact, whole and healthy,
if you take it easy.
JEANNEE KIRKALDY
If you wish to comment on this editorial or any other
story in this issue send an e-mail to
oakpost@oakland.edu
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“Man” often used in sexist terms
Dear Editor,
I am writing in regards to a letter that appeared in the
March 17 edition of The Oakland Post, regarding some thoughts OU Alumnus
Jeff Burhans had on the English word "man" becoming scarce in America's
society.
I find it unfortunate and rather disturbing that Mr. Burhans
considers the eradication of sexist language from our society, the goal
being to change the way you and I think (that being to think in non-sexist
terms, I would hope) something American men have been "suckered" into.
Of course the use of man, as in "mankind," "chairman,"
and the like, isn't going to seem like a problem to Mr. Burhans, because,
I am assuming, he is a male and not a "man of color" as he so condescendingly
referred to it.
Perhaps if he was a woman, or a man "of color," he would
better appreciate and understand the reasons why language that has been
perpetuated in the past by men FOR the benefit of men must be "erased"
from the English vocabulary and from the minds and hearts of American citizens,
male and female, to insure that everyone with the talent, ability and drive
to be a success in our society has a fair chance at doing so regardless
of their sex.
Perhaps Mr. Burhans’ greatest fear is not that the word
"man" will be erased from our vocabulary by the "establishment," but that
he might one day have to answer to a "chairwoman" rather than a "chairman."
Sincerely,
Lisa Valentine
Journalism Senior
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Feminist confronts alum,
says women equal to men
Dear Editor,
(Jeff Burhans’) article was not only distasteful but arrogant.
(Is he) seriously concerned (with) the lack of the word “man” in today's
society? In what hole (has he) been living in for the past century?
Today as well as the past we have been living in a total
patriarchal society. In this country, we live under the belief that
the man is the head of the household. That the man is in control
of our religion and beliefs. That the man is in control of our workplace
and our economy.
We are even raised on the notion of the founding fathers
who not only supplied us with this beautiful country, but also that their
superior minds gave us the laws to maintain it.
Do you honestly believe that we will forget the "man"
if we don’t make reference to him in every sentence? Does it hurt
your feelings that you, as a man, are not being recognized as a gender
worth mentioning? Welcome to the feminist nightmare.
Secondly, you are very egotistical in believing that every
position or title should make reference to man. Why would you care
if chairman was omitted for the use of chairperson? Would you feel
better if we alienated segments of the population, would you be satisfied
in placing barriers for minorities or women?
Most importantly, 51 percent of the world(’s population)
are women. I am a woman. I am not mankind or manlike.
I am human.
(Women) have strong minds, strong wills and strong backs.
Backs that have been carrying the male ego in stride.
Men are not entitled to everything. Get over yourself and join
the rest of us in the politically correct, not morally correct 21st century.
Sincerely,
Christine Abi-Samra
Public Administration Senior
Feminist
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Burhans’ letter sparks
thought from English Prof
Dear Editor,
I'm sorry that Jeff Burhans (March 17 Letter to the Editor)
is so distressed at the absence of the word "man" in now-defunct formulations
like "mailman" and "fireman."
We women can understand how he feels; we have long felt
the irritation of being erased ourselves, as we have also been distressed
by dismissive phrases like "lady driver" and "lady doctor" whose
adjectives have always implied that the norm is male (think about the phrase
"white trash" too – doesn't the presence of "white" in that phrase suggest
that "trash" is generally not white?).
But I encourage Jeff Burhans to worry less about "the
establishment" (whatever that is) and more about accuracy – my mail is
delivered by Patricia, and she's no mailman.
Kathleen Pfeiffer
Professor of English
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Congress President apologizes
for submission of ad content
Dear Editor,
In the Feb. 17, 1999 issue of The Oakland Post, I, as Student
Body President, took out an ad concerning SAFB and Student Congress elections.
In this ad, a student’s name and home telephone number
was printed.
I apologize for the printing of that information.
It was in poor taste.
Regardless of the circumstances and intentions of the ad, it was tacky
to offer this information in such a format.
In future ads, I will be more careful regarding the content
of all information presented.
Sincerely,
Scott Andrews
Student Body President
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