Facts versus emotions about traffic cameras

I received an email about touring the Cedar Rapids area that described the city's story of flood and destruction and then listed sights to see.

Cedar Rapids was and is a great city. A trip there would be fun and interesting. Unfortunately, I received a speeding ticket from a camera on Interstate 380 in April 2011.

I was shocked and angry when I received the ticket. I had no idea I was being “watched.” I paid the ticket. How do you dispute it? I vowed never to return to Cedar Rapids.

It's been almost a year and I still feel a strong aversion to driving into or through Cedar Rapids. It dawned on me, maybe others will feel the same way. Maybe the camera idea isn't such a good one. I could start a movement.

Then again, ugly facts can be difficult to swallow. I realize I drive slower in Des Moines because of that ticket. Slower in Iowa City. Slower in Omaha, Neb. I don't even know if they have cameras in these cities. Hmm. It might be a cold day before I apologize for 12 over on a beautiful day in Iowa, but facts are facts.

Barbara T. Waite

Kellogg