Watch out for public stupidity

I have lived in this area for what seems to me like an eternity. I do consider myself a local, although I do not speak Dutch, but I wish I did. But overall, I respect the Founding Fathers that are and respect all their efforts.

With that said, I never, ever thought over all the years that I would see the influx of visitors to this area as I have seen over the past years. Much to my chagrin, all is not as good as the folks that supply food and drink make it out to be.

As I read the paper this week, I am amazed at the stupidity that folks have at all walks of life. Consider driving through a road closed sign only to get caught in hot tar and risk the injury of a state worker. Say, how about for instance the young kid who lost control of the ATV and crashed into the wall. Or consider the dummy who will get in trouble at the falls in Jim Thorpe. I don't know how the bridge has escaped a major catastrophe, but the summer is not over.

I also had to chuckle at the lake being closed because of waste from the local farms. Realize the Corps knew that when they built the lake. How about major damage coming from diapers in the lake, on the lake, around the lake, even shore lines around the lake that tributaries touch. The farmers are the only ones who do not share revenue gain from the visitors directly, like the eating places, but indirectly with the crops they sell to the food markets.

Years down the road, with the influx of irresponsible visitors, if it is not in place, I would like to suggest we enact a "stupid law." Let these irresponsible people pay for the cost of medical and police services that are initially funded by our taxes. Fine the parents of children and visitors who need service because they did not wear a life jacket. Or his estate. Sound coarse like sandpaper. The truth hurts. But we all know when they all leave home they put on their stupid hats.

From the pen of a local,

K. Treger

Lehighton