SEAT-BELT LAW IS 'FEEL GOOD' ONLY

I couldn't agree more with James J. Baxter's column, "Propaganda used for
belt laws" (March 11).

While I believe in wearing seat belts and always buckle up, I do not feel
it is the role of government to coerce seat-belt use. Strongly suggest
through education? Yes! But Big Brother should have no place in compelling
wearing seat belts and using the failure to do so as an excuse to stop
motorists.

Unfortunately, while these kinds of traffic stops often start out seemingly
benign, they often get used as excuses for "fishing expeditions." As real
threats to highway safety speed on by, a drug-sniffing dog is brought on
the scene, finds a couple joints, and someone's son or daughter is facing a
criminal record and loss of student aid.

We need less government and more personal responsibility. While these kinds
of laws may seem reasonable, they are in reality just another example of
"feel good" lawmaking that while creating the illusion of enhancing safety
actually represent further erosion of our civil liberties. The legislature
should reject this misguided proposal and start looking for ways to reduce
the intrusion of government in our lives, not escalate it.

GARY STORCK

Madison