The interesting point is the insidious speed change from 60 mph to 50 mph while traveling southbound. After entering the “construction” zone at mile marker 60 and slowing to the posted speed limit of 60 mph for 15 miles there is an arbitrary change in speed limit with no corresponding change in road conditions. If not specifically looking for the new speed limit, it is very likely that a motorist would not notice the “new” limit. If there ever was a definition of a speed trap, that was it.

This is not a plea of innocence, I was going 61 mph. I just thought it was a 60 limit. If the city of Adel, the county of Cook or the state of Georgia needs revenue then just set up a road block and confiscate $145 (my fine) from each motorist. But don’t do it under the pretense that there is a safety issue involved. If that were the case, the speed limit should be 50 mph at the beginning of the “construction” zone. Not in the last five miles where the numerous police assets were strategically concentrated immediately after the speed change. Maybe that was just coincidental.

 As a side note: Five days later as I entered the “construction” zone heading northbound at mile marker 39 and very conscious of my speed reduction to 50 mph, a marked police car passed me in the 50 limit doing approximately 65 mph with no lights on and no siren. (I’m fairly experienced in closure and opening rates of velocity after flying jet fighters for 24 years in the USAF.) Correct me if I’m wrong, but I was always under the assumption that a police car was required to operate under the same laws and statutes as a civilian car unless performing in official police business capacity.

I will think long and hard before visiting your state again. A concerned interstate traveler.

Wyatt Stedman, Louisville, Ky.

Lt. Col. USAF, Retired

Why must we begrudge the first couple a night out?

Two Rants regarding the Obama's date night beg an answer.

When coverage of the Obama’s date night came on the news, this is what I saw: A loving, young American couple having a well-deserved night out. The president himself said on the news yesterday that he would rather take a shuttle, and rather not have a 15 car motorcade everywhere he goes, but it comes with the job, and he cannot change that.

Why must we begrudge the first couple a night out? I believe it is because of the hate people hear spewed forth from the likes of Rush Limbaugh and a few of the Republicans who hate everything to do with President Obama. Sadly, these people profess to be good Christians. There is nothing good or Christ-like about hate.

We can open our minds and think for ourselves, and surely come to a better conclusion than hate.

The couple is well-deserving of a night out as often as they can take one. If I am paying for it, I am happy to do so.

Joan Lombardo

Valdosta