The safest way to live one’s life is to step from the womb into a coffin, and wait. Some of us would prefer a bit more life in exchange for some risk.

Freedom is, by definition, an individual’s right to make choices, even those that may be unpopular with the majority. But my options to exchange pleasure for risk or make an unpopular choice are in danger as my government legislates more and more of my options away.

The Bangor Daily News has continually taken the position that because I have already lost my freedom to reject government assistance when paying for health care, I must, in turn lost my right to manage my own life in a way that might make that health care more expensive. (See “Seat Belts Required” BDN, March 23) There is a danger that this restrictive mind-set will not end with my right to be seen smoking, or my ability to drive unbelted. The editorial above cites figures showing car crashes as the leading cause of death for folks ages 15 to 35. The leading cause of death for people of all ages is heart failure. This means (logically) the government’s next course of action will be to legislate exercise and dietary requirements.

I am thankful that I grew up in a time when children could ride bicycles without helmets, folks ate eggs soaked in bacon fat, and we got to ride (unbelted) in the back of pick-up trucks. I may not last to age 92 – as my father who also did all those things has done – but if I die before then, it is more likely to be from boredom, rather than an injury from hitting a dashboard.

Harry H. Snyder III

Tamarac Farm

Whiting