Roadside memorials - a letter to our Governor

[dry w/3 olives]

Office of the Governor
100 State Circle
Annapolis, Md. 21401-1925

Greetings – let me start by saying that I do sympathize for those who grieve and am truly not a callous person. Having said that, I urge you, or whomever appropriate, to please put an end to these memorials that are springing up along our roads. Cemeteries. Not only do they provide a great location for burying loved ones (and even those not-so-loved…), but they provide a wonderfully appropriate environment for expressing grief – the side of the road provides nothing but an eyesore to those who drive along, and I'd venture a guess that the overwhelming majority of these drivers are not grieving family members. It’s really worse than an eyesore – it's fancy litter. I'm really beginning to wonder if someone's out there preying on grief-stricken families... someone with lots of stock in whirly-gigs and white crosses.

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Is this even legal? If it is, am I also at liberty to commemorate one of my greatest losses at the side of the road? I’ll be thrilled to know I can finally and legally erect a structure to memorialize this tragic event and remind people to use condoms at the same time!
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Although I jest, I’m serious about my overall request. Sadly, people die in accidents everyday, so if we don’t nip this in the bud now, it won’t be long before all of our roads are lined with these morose reminders and weather-worn teddy bears. Nobody wants to appear unsympathetic, so consider and promote options. Far be it from me to ever complain without offering help, so here’s a really superb idea (IMHO) – start a 'plant a tree' program where a tree is planted in one of our state or county parks, or hey, even along a road, with an optional dedication plaque to help offset expenses. You'd be heroes! Encourage people to celebrate their loved-one’s life through the nurturing of a tree, instead of littering our roadsides and endangering everyone’s safety.

As a Maryland taxpayer and citizen, I object to these objects on our public property, and many of my friends and coworkers feel the same. Anyhow, I hope that I was able to give you a good chuckle as you read this because I imagine you might get a little bored with complaints every now and then… but I hope even more that you’ll do something about it. Thanks much for your time and attention, and I look forward to seeing positive results!

 

[OrneryPest]

I sorta like the roadside memorials.

 

[John Z]

I'm with you on this one Dry, but did you really send it to Gov'ner?

 

[DoWhat]

Let us pray.

 

[kwillia]

Let us pray.

Is that port-a-potty still across the street from Jazz? I'm thinking we could set up a port-a-potty-side memorial...you know... as if someone fell in...

 

[BuddyLee]

Anyhow, I hope that I was able to give you a good chuckle

ha.

 

[Kain99]

The memorials have never botherd me... Guess I have more to be pi$$ed at on a daily basis.

 

[BuddyLee]

The memorials have never botherd me... Guess I have more to be pi$$ed at on a daily basis.

Some people truly need lives.

 

[MMDad]

Some people truly need olives.

:fixed:

 

[BuddyLee]

:fixed:

That too.

 

[Sharon]

Build a cross, add teddy bears, balloons, flowers, etc....let it sit in the sun, rain, snow, etc. until the balloons deflate, the flowers fade, the ribbons discolor, the teddys die of old age....

But don't you dare throw a ciggy butt out the window or the litter nazi's will get ya.

 

[MMDad]

On a serious note, if you would actually like to do something about this, you have to do one of two things. First, if you want the law changed, contact your legislators, not the Governator. Second do your homework.

Instead of joking and suggesting, ask the Gov. to do something. These memorials are illegal on state highways. There is no enforcement, just like most of our traffic laws. Ask for reasonable enforcement. It's just like a car on the side of the road. The trooper has discretion whether to warn, ticket, or tow based on time, safety, and circumstances. Since local LE is usually involved, they already know how old the shrine is. Give the mourners a reasonable amount of time and protect public safety. Big crosses and shrines in the median or on tight shoulders can be dangerous projectiles and should be limited. Things like balloons and flowers don't seem dangerous at first, but do we really want anything more to distract out drivers who are already busy eating, shaving, putting on makeup, looking at a map, and chatting on the phone?

 

[John Z]

Build a cross, add teddy bears, balloons, flowers, etc....let it sit in the sun, rain, snow, etc. until the balloons deflate, the flowers fade, the ribbons discolor, the teddys die of old age....

But don't you dare throw a ciggy butt out the window or the litter nazi's will get ya.

I'd like to get rid of both activities, but I figure many people would tell me "you, git!". :shrug:

 

[BuddyLee]

Things like balloons and flowers don't seem dangerous at first, but do we really want anything more to distract out drivers who are already busy eating, shaving, putting on makeup, looking at a map, and chatting on the phone?

Agreed to a point. However, If I were to have something distract me, I'd rather have that 'gentle reminder' to be a little safer than to talk on my non-existant cell to my non-existant babies momma.

 

[Kain99]

It may be against the law but... I saw 6 State Troopers erecting a roadside memorial in Waldorf last month. Go figure.

 

[crabcake]

Build a cross, add teddy bears, balloons, flowers, etc....let it sit in the sun, rain, snow, etc. until the balloons deflate, the flowers fade, the ribbons discolor, the teddys die of old age....

But don't you dare throw a ciggy butt out the window or the litter nazi's will get ya.

Ain't that the damn truth!

 

[MMDad]

Build a cross, add teddy bears, balloons, flowers, etc....let it sit in the sun, rain, snow, etc. until the balloons deflate, the flowers fade, the ribbons discolor, the teddys die of old age....

But don't you dare throw a ciggy butt out the window or the litter nazi's will get ya.

Have you looked at a left turn lane lately? The piles of white things aren't crosses or teddy bears, they are butts. There is no enforcement. People don't stop at red lights and stop signs, but put up a yield and everyone stops.

Get ready for the upcoming election. Although signs are illegal on all state highways, they will be everywhere. What do the cops do about it? Nothing. Why? Because their bosses don't want them to.

 

[BuddyLee]

Have you looked at a left turn lane lately? The piles of white things aren't crosses or teddy bears, they are butts. There is no enforcement. People don't stop at red lights and stop signs, but put up a yield and everyone stops.

Get ready for the upcoming election. Although signs are illegal on all state highways, they will be everywhere. What do the cops do about it? Nothing. Why? Because their bosses don't want them to.

Pretty much. If people really want something done, don't complain about making a law that will just sit on the books. If you really want something done, organize and contribute money to that sole cause. To make sure a law is enforced you must first have the time, money and man-power to enforce it.

 

[crabcake]

Have you looked at a left turn lane lately? The piles of white things aren't crosses or teddy bears, they are butts.

Are you suggesting that I muck up my so-shiney-clean-you-could-eat-off-it ashtray in my car with my nasty, smelly, dirty ciggy butts?

 

[MMDad]

Are you suggesting that I muck up my so-shiney-clean-you-could-eat-off-it ashtray in my car with my nasty, smelly, dirty ciggy butts?

Actually, I'd rather you eat them. Why mess up your car?