Antone's Nightclub
Are They Above the Law?
RECEIVED Tue., Dec. 21, 2004
Dear Editor,
Being a motorcycle rider, I’d like to state what’s on my mind.
It is sad that two Austin police officers have lost their lives ["Many Unanswered Questions in Officers’ Deaths," News, Dec. 17]. It is always a tragedy when someone meets an untimely death on a motorcycle. However, when one chooses to ride a motorcycle they should know that there are many risks involved. Knowing the risks, to ride a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol is absurd. Even more ridiculous is the fact that a retired policeman, who was well aware of our laws, was operating a motorcycle while inebriated.
To try and suggest that Cedars Bar and Grill is responsible for the deaths is a travesty. Yes, the bartender who was [allegedly] intoxicated while serving drinks deserved to be arrested – she was breaking the law. However, as the final stop on the officers’ ride, it is inconceivable to believe that the riders did not drink along the way.
It’s possible that the officer who was killed did not drink until he reached Cedars Bar. If that is true, it is also true that he chose to drink, become intoxicated, and ride his motorcycle home. By doing so, he put others in jeopardy that were on the road that day. Remember, this was a police officer, one chosen to uphold the law.
Motorcycle riders deal with disrespect from drivers on a daily basis. Many feel that we don’t have equal rights on the road. Unfortunately, bikers have a "bad reputation" to live down. The good news is that most of us ride safely, obeying the law and respecting the right to ride.
I feel compassion for the families and friends of the deceased. However, I also feel anger toward any police officers drinking that day. Are they all above the law?
Being a motorcycle rider, I’d like to state what’s on my mind.
It is sad that two Austin police officers have lost their lives ["Many Unanswered Questions in Officers’ Deaths," News, Dec. 17]. It is always a tragedy when someone meets an untimely death on a motorcycle. However, when one chooses to ride a motorcycle they should know that there are many risks involved. Knowing the risks, to ride a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol is absurd. Even more ridiculous is the fact that a retired policeman, who was well aware of our laws, was operating a motorcycle while inebriated.
To try and suggest that Cedars Bar and Grill is responsible for the deaths is a travesty. Yes, the bartender who was [allegedly] intoxicated while serving drinks deserved to be arrested – she was breaking the law. However, as the final stop on the officers’ ride, it is inconceivable to believe that the riders did not drink along the way.
It’s possible that the officer who was killed did not drink until he reached Cedars Bar. If that is true, it is also true that he chose to drink, become intoxicated, and ride his motorcycle home. By doing so, he put others in jeopardy that were on the road that day. Remember, this was a police officer, one chosen to uphold the law.
Motorcycle riders deal with disrespect from drivers on a daily basis. Many feel that we don’t have equal rights on the road. Unfortunately, bikers have a "bad reputation" to live down. The good news is that most of us ride safely, obeying the law and respecting the right to ride.
I feel compassion for the families and friends of the deceased. However, I also feel anger toward any police officers drinking that day. Are they all above the law?
Marie Sattler