Geezer beach controversy can teach lessons

The stated reasons for banning vehicles from geezer beach seem devoid of logic and common sense. The implication is that geezers and geezeretts are hopeless, bumbling, incompetents who need to be protected from themselves.

Geezers typically didn’t require government supervision to acquire longevity. They don’t need or want some faceless bureaucrat to be their defacto mommy. Most elderly citizens are well-defined individuals who have successfully navigated through obstacles and adversity for many decades.

They have demonstrated self-reliance, perseverance, and an ability to prevail. Many were involved in hazardous industrial occupations and participate in military service. The perceived rigors of driving on geezer beach would not pose a challenge to these seasoned individuals.

Logic should lead people to conclude the premise put forth by government officials seems to be exaggerated and fabricated to shore up an illogical decision. The not-very-clever attempt to occupy the moral high ground by attaching “safety” to support a weak position is a decoy tactic to divert public attention from actual motives. No normal individual opposes legitimate public safety issues. What evidence exists to demonstrate safety concerns? Is there an investigative report that itemizes a history of dangerous events? If the bureau chooses to frame the issue as concern for unsafe situations, where is the documentation to support their positions?

The lesson we should take form this episode is to be very, very afraid when government officials say we want to help you.

Lowell Moore