LETTERS: A SENSE OF JUSTICE

To the editor:

My good sense tells me to let the matter drop, but my motive has always been to prevent this from happening to you or your loved ones.

I was given a traffic ticket. I thought I was innocent. I chose to go to court. I didn't have to go. I could have paid my fine, and that would have been the end of the matter. However, I thought in this wonderful country of ours we have the privilege of our day in court. I wasn't ordered to go. I chose to. I got my days mixed up and missed my court date. I have never suggested that I be given preferential treatment. I only contend that the punishment should fit the crime. My crime was getting my days mixed up. I chose court. I missed it. Consequently, I should forfeit my defense, pay the traffic fine and all costs involved. That should be the end of it. If anyone thinks a traffic ticket plus an honest mental mistake could somehow be translated into being arrested, booked, fingerprinted and mug shot, then I have lost all sense of justice. I just hope that some parent doesn't see this happen to one of their children.

That's it. No more from me. I've helped all I can.

JAMIE ESTES

Cape Girardeau