Mama always said . . .

Sometimes when I read the letters to the editor in the newspaper, I can't help but think of Forrest Gump. "Mama always said, 'Stupid is as stupid does.'"

J. E. French of Dallas certainly reminded me of Forrest's mama's wisdom. J. E. says that we don't understand what a capitalist society is. He says we've been taught that socialism and communism are "bad, evil even."

But capitalism, J. E. says, really means getting the most we can for the least amount we have to pay (and I guess he thinks that's bad). He says that if you've ever felt you should be paid more, you're probably right. Because your mean old boss wants to keep all the wealth for himself. He says most of us deserve more money, and he'd like the wealth in this country to be spread around. He asks, "How do we start the process of Occupying Capitalism?"

Remember, J.E., you asked. Here's the answer to your question. Don't wait for your employer to spread the wealth -- you should start the ball rolling and set the example yourself. I'll just bet that there are employees at your company who make less than you do. Let's say you're making $12.50 an hour, but the guy who works in the department with you makes only $8.50 an hour. You go tell your boss that you want to give $2.00 an hour of your pay to the $8.50 guy. That way, you'll both be making $10.50, and you will feel really good about yourself for having spread your wealth and given nasty old capitalism a good swift kick in the rear.

In the same letters column, Peggy Simpkin of Dallas suggested that manufacturers and auto dealers be required to install ignition devices to test for intoxication on all vehicles. It's no different, she says, than requiring air bags and seatbelts. Yes, Peggy, it is different.

Air bags and seatbelts are basic safety devices. They have nothing to do with the ability of the driver. Mr. Essie May and I do not imbibe. Why should we have to pay several hundred dollars more for a vehicle and contend with the hassle of having to blow our unintoxicated breath into a machine before we can drive? I foresee malfunctioning machines that won't start the car even when the driver's had nothing to drink. I foresee so-called friends blowing into the machine for driver's who've had one too many. I foresee people making a little black market money by disconnecting the devices. You don't penalize the majority for the sins of a few. You enact strict laws and then enforce them. No deferred adjudication or expunged records -- when the law says you go to jail for good on the third offense, that's exactly what should happen. It's hard to drive drunk when you're in the gray bar hotel!

"Can we occupy capitalism?" The Dallas Morning News; December 27, 2011; p. 12A.
"Deadly distracted driving." The Dallas Morning News; December 27, 2011; p. 12A.