Where were critics on past vehicle violations?

Nitpicking critics of Gov. Terry Branstad have adopted as their cause the incident of the alleged speeding infraction in which his trooper-driven state vehicle was involved. Give it a rest. Municipal, state and federal officials have been chauffeured above posted speed limits for decades in efforts to meet appointments, make plane connections, etc.

Presidential and other dignitary motorcades block off miles of streets, freeways and bridges, greatly inconveniencing civilian and commercial traffic. They exceed speed limits while running stop signs and red lights. Why don't we hear from these rabble rousers on those occasions?

It's against the law to smoke in state-owned vehicles. Former Iowa first lady Mari Culver defied this regulation, to the chagrin and disgust of security details and maintenance personnel.

Where were all these “green” and law-abiding Democratic complainers then?

Dean Varner

Cedar Rapids