Traffic cameras trap, tax C.R. visitors

Welcome to Cedar Rapids, do not pass the city limits without passing the traffic camera and paying $75 ... .

Many people prayed, donated and worked to help Cedar Rapids after the flood and this is the way you repay them, by installing spy cameras to trap them and tax them? And don't tell me about “safety” unless your definition of safety is a rear-end collision when somebody jams on their brakes at the first sign of a yellow light, getting slammed into the middle of the intersection out of control.

No, this is strictly a new revenue-generating scheme. Is this what the Heartland of America has come to?

There are studies showing speed limits to be generally set 10 mph below the speed that 85 percent of the traffic is moving; this is a gold mine for somebody. Studies have also shown that the most dangerous highway conditions are created by artificially impeding the natural flow of traffic, including traffic cameras.

Suddenly it's 1984. Tell me, have you told the Chamber of Commerce and the citizens of Cedar Rapids about this new Soviet/Orwellian imposition on our freedom? Or was it their idea?

Talking to friends in the Waterloo area, they are appalled about this latest tactic of a government out of control.

As for me, I will just stay out of Cedar Rapids. No more shopping trips for my wife and her friends, since we no longer feel either safe or welcome in Cedar Rapids.

The Rev. Ronald

Roland

Evansdale