The Summer Script (Dillon, Mont) 1985-1985, August 02, 1985, Image 2

Opinions page two * * * * * * * * * * * 5 |C * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * V * * # * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Against the odds * There has been a lot of talk around lately * about mandatory seatbelts, but I have a hunch that the idea needs a little more exploration ^f before any radical steps are taken. •Jf All the stats and facts prove that seatbelts -Jf have saved millions upon millions of lives *if throughout the automobile era. I’ve heard the * statement made by several highway patrolmen ^ that they ‘have never pulled a dead person •if strapped in by a seatbelt out of a vehicle’. ■if ■if In many cases, this is probably a true -)f statement. If you are a faithful follower of the \3f odds, then you had best buckle up...that is, if ^ you are truly a faithful follower. 4f * But, if you happened to notice the picture 7T &\oôè OL t 5 w-m ivigr DaLj 5/ Campus Calendar of the wrecked caron the front page, then you * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * can imagine what would have happened to the -if driver if he was strapped in. ■if ■if Fortunately for the driver, Montana does -)f not have a mandatory seatbelt law, and he was \if not trapped inside. He was instead hurled 109 ^ feet onto the asphalt. The driver suffered a ^f concussion, a broken left wrist and collar \if bone, and massive scrapes and bruises...but he lived. Now I am not saying that seatbelts are a killer, but I believe that the choice to strap one’s self in should be made by the individual and not by congress. * * * * * * * ■if ■if ■if * Ninety-nine times out of one hundred a law such as this would save a person’s life. But that one percent could be a killer, and no innocent person should lose his life due to the decisions of an elected official. America has always been known as a country with the freedom of choice, and there may be some people out there who choose to defy the odds. After all, what are odds? Odds are the results derived from statistics, and stats re­ flect the masses, not the individual. I believe when it narrows down to one specific person in a critical situation, the odds disappear and fate takes its hand at the wheel. I am not trying to change anyone’s decision about safety belts, but rather I am attempting to ensure that each individual has the right to make his own choice. Many people in America have gambled against the odds and lost, but at least they had the right to do so. Steve Howery July 31 - Aug. 1 August 1 , 2 , & 3 Workshop: computer Teaching Writing with the Summer Play: ‘I Ought to be in Pictures’, Lewis and Clark Room, 7:00 p.m. August 2-3, 9-10 Workshop: Foundry and Casting August 2 & 3 Workshop: Library Administration August 16 Summer School Ends August 31 Final issue of Summer Script * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * the Wescolite The Wescolite is an independent student newspaper at Western Montana College. Dillon, MT59725. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of either the college administration or the student body The Wescolite is published twice monthly, except on holidays or during finals week by the Associated Students of Western Montana College. The known office of publication is Room 3. Student Union Building. Western Montana College. Telephone numbers are (406)683-7262/7197. Third class postage is paid at Dillon. Editor .............................................................. Steve Howery Business Manager ............................................ Kent Wright Advertising Manager .................................. Jean Bergeson Office Secretary .............................................. Debra Wright Production .......................................... Chaffin Printing. Inc. Advisor ....................................................... Charles Stauffer Cartoonist ......................................................... John Degei ********************************************************************