March 23, 2010.

Dear Sir,

This letter is in response to Donna Watson's letter of March 6, and published on March 18.

I am sad having to write this response to Donna. As an ex-runner I know how good an athlete she has been and more importantly Donna is a long time server and promoter of running in Bermuda and of the BFTA. Also as a smart person, I am surprised Donna expected to find a legal park spot on Friday evening on Bermudiana Road. If you order food from Portofino at that time, then expect a walk.

I am also a little concerned that my response to her illegal parking would have been one of annoyance, although not as harsh as the man's reaction described in the letter.

The point I am trying to make is if you break reasonable law you should not expect to be treated with respect and equanimity by society. Personally I find the bad driving habits in Bermuda are in many ways a reflection of the apathy in Bermuda. If a driver double parks, pulls out, goes through a red light and carries out a manoeuvrer with no thought or signal (a few examples of habits that just seem acceptable), there seems genuine surprise from the driver at fault if I use the car's horn, (for its proper purpose), or resort to something more verbal. Maybe I am alone in never having come to terms with the increasing mediocrity that characterises driving here.

the connection with the apathy in Bermuda is quite clear. Other than through certain sections of the media, like the RG, and restricted time in the Houses of Assembly for the Opposition parties, Government abuse of power and our money, deterioration in education standards and general indiscipline, to name a few problems, just seem to be shrugged off. Maybe it is long stretch to relate intentional law breaking, albeit minor, with other problems we face, but I think it is symptomatic.

If I had been Ms Watson, I would have reflected on the fact I was wrong, rather than write a letter to the paper. To try and make a case for the consequences of illegal parking seems strange. It is respect for the law and society, plus the need to focus on education, that parents and others need to instill in the young from an early age.

Finishing on a positive note, I wish Donna all the best in her efforts to organise running events and provide opportunities for young athletes. I hope all runners will take the time to thank Donna for her dedication.

SIMON MOORE

Hamilton Parish