To the editor:

People are afraid of checkpoints?

Why? Only those who have something to hide or have broken the law should have reason to be afraid, right?

Sounds to me like more law enforcement bashing. Let’s see, the multi task force operation reportedly resulted in 31 charges of breaking the law and at the time arrested and removed from your/our streets 11 more lawbreakers. What is wrong about that?

Those are the people who should be afraid of checkpoints. Let’s see, it is known that Polk County and the surrounding area has a high (no pun intended) rate of methamphetamine manufactures and users. They should be afraid of checkpoints. Let’s see, I wish there had been a checkpoint two Sunday nights ago around 10 p.m. in Saluda when a drunk driver (blew 1.8) drove off the road and did $1,000 worth of damage to my front yard. I hope he is afraid enough now of his upcoming prosecution that he won’t drive drunk again.

So, why are law abiding citizens afraid of checkpoints? Only lawbreakers need be afraid. I, for one, respect and appreciate all agencies of our law enforcement and believe they deserve our thanks for doing as you people see it an overzealous and intrusive job.

P.S. What the heck does the purchase of ammunition have to do with anything?

– Charles Weinhagen, Saluda