This is Viewpoints for Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Ode to texting while driving

The editorial, "Distracted driving is all around us" in The Telegraph reminded me of a poem I wrote to my sister who is always texting with her 18-year-old granddaughter:

When you are driving down the highway

And you think you are alone,

There are VIPs all 'round you and

You're in a danger zone!

For their minds are not on driving

Cause their minds are on their friends,

And they are texting like crazy

With a semi-round the bend.

The semi driver's on his cell phone

Talking to his wife.

I am sure neither vehicle's driver knows

They are about to lose their lives.

So they are holding hands together

As they climb the golden stairs

St. Peter's there to greet them

But his eyes are full of tears.

"I'm so sorry that I must tell you,

That we take no texting drivers here."

— Gil Switzer

Warner Robins

More problems

The war against the coal industry could have disastrous effects, especially to working people. But, like the doctor told the man with two different diseases, this one, will get you before the other. And, as bad as the world would be growing colder and darker as it depends on "clean energy," there are worse things.

One thing would be America's staggering national debt. This debt is increasing daily at alarming rates. The continuing influx of immigrants into America could cause even more out of control spending, reducing the U.S. currency to near worthless value. People will not be able to purchase food and necessary items at the market. People will grow hungry, riots will bring chaos and destruction of property and people.

Western civilization is already experiencing a decline. Worthless paper money could complete the process.

— Dwight Poole

Hawkinsville

This story was originally published April 18, 2016 at 9:35 PM with the headline "This is Viewpoints for Tuesday, April 19, 2016 ."