‘Carrot-Stick Amnesty for Cars’

In your editorial you write that an amnesty period for car registration is a worthy idea. I agree with your line of reasoning. I agree only because I am in favor of our state government being fair in lawmaking. If there is an amnesty period for income taxpayers, then there should be one for car registration.

The majority of citizens would not register their cars if it were not required. Therefore, individuals find all kinds of excuses for not paying their registration fees.

Common sense should be used in dealing with a situation as this. Rules and laws that are not stiff, or are not strictly enforced will naturally fall prey to “honest” individuals who will avoid them. Therefore, the idea of amnesty is a sound one, offering drivers extra time in which to register their cars. Then, if this time is not utilized the result is an increase in penalties and/or fines. This is the idea purported by “Carrot-Stick Amnesty.” And yes--it is fair to both government and citizens.

MARC POWELL

Riverside