Freedom to choose

By Published by The Editorial Board

Published: May 23, 2008

Memorial Day is upon us, so have a great weekend. If you can afford it, that is.

Going somewhere? Well, then pack up the kids, the pets and the credit cards – those that haven’t reached their spending limits. An average fill-up costs about $60 on the low end and, if you get 30 miles per gallon, that should be good for about 600 miles. If you have a big SUV or pickup, divide the mileage by two and double the price tag for gas.

It doesn’t stop with fuel, of course. Grilling out? Expect to pay more for everything from hot dogs to beer to chips to soda to ketchup and mustard – as much as 6 percent compared to last year, according to the Associated Press.

We are becoming more price-conscience, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Remember the classic generic brands, which came packaged in plain black and white? They aren’t so funny now, are they?

Still, people will continue to buy, and they’ll continue to take holiday trips.

If you’re driving this coming weekend, be safe. Troopers, deputies and police officers will be out on area roads, stopping drivers for license and seat-belt checks and ensuring overall safety. Drivers should remember to be courteous and to use common sense, working to avoid the local habit of pulling in front of cars headed in the same direction when waiting a few seconds for the car to pass would prove much safer.

AAA Carolinas is also warning drivers to observe the “move-over” law, which requires motorists to move into another lane – when possible – if a law officer or rescue personnel are on the side of the road. Offenders could be charged with a felony if a serious injury occurs, and a simple infraction can lead to a $250 fine.

“Three times each month someone in North Carolina is either injured or a vehicle crashed because a motorist failed to move over in compliance with a toughened state law,” according to the Consolidated Courts of North Carolina, AAA said in a news release.

Most important, whether you’re hitting the road or taking in the view from your front porch, take time to reflect on the holiday and on those who gave their lives for our country and our continued freedom to choose.