Too many examples of government intrusion

Regarding the Walter Stackman window issue with Geneva, I was encouraged by his will to fight city hall and actually win, even though it was a technicality. I think he is speaking to the larger issue of government intrusion in too many areas.

Government at all levels is out of control, taxing everything it can to squeeze money to afford all the things it thinks are basic requirements. Red Light cameras are a good example and I hope they are outlawed. I believe traffic laws are in place and should be used to provide safety as needed.

If local governments were sincere in actually believing that they are there for safety, then they should issue a warning on the first offense, a reasonable fee of maybe $25 on the second offense, and then go to the $100 fine on three-peat.

The Illinois tollway system of fining motorists $21 every time they don't pay the toll is another example. I believe that most of the violators have problems with their credit cards or the I-pass device itself. What you have to go through to straighten out a minor mix-up and still pay some kind of fine to the state is ridiculous.

I don't want to complain at random, but I think there are many citizens like myself who are fed up with getting ripped off by every level of government for having a lack of common sense and compassion for the average citizen.

Patrick Doyle

Glen Ellyn