Back from the Beach

Monday's trek home from Ocean City was, in a word, long. Traffic was snarled for over 30 miles from Easton to the Bay Bridge and it was so hot in the sun that we actually put the top up on the car because we were baking like muffins in an oven.

What a downer on a perfect weekend. And it happens every year, although usually I am not in the traffic.

For all of the money Ocean City generates and for all of the now increased taxes were are being gouged by, it would seem that the State would do something to ameliorate the problem.

But no--running a "Click it or ticket" seat belt campaign seems more important. That is almost as futile as the drug war. Pouring good money after bad. If people are not wearing seat belts by now, I am not convinced that there is a way to change their behavior.

And the road to and from Maryland's premier vacation area continues to shrink in the face of increasing demand. The taxes generated by the tourists and visitors to Ocean City alone should be enough to fix the roads.

Or so it would seem.

Five hours to complete a normal two-and-a-half hour trip seems a bit excessive. It leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth and a sore spot on my bottom.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD