Fess Green was a friend of mine, so this is difficult to write about. He died April 29 from injuries received in an accident April 23, when 20 year old Ryan Sherman failed to yield to oncoming traffic and made a left turn across Fess’s path.
Ryan Sherman had a history of recklessness behind the wheel — driving too fast for road conditions, and driving “outside restrictions on his license.” (In other words, he probably drove anyway while his license was suspended.) But despite this history, after killing a man, Ryan Sherman received only another temporary suspension of his license, and had to pay only $1500 of a $2500 fine. I am speechless.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Jim Kline 07.27.08 at 2:39 pm
Ryan Sherman is a driver. While driving, his negligence results in the death of a man. After a temporary suspension of his license to drive, and after paying a fine of $1500 dollars, he is able to resume driving.
John Doe is a teacher. While teaching, his negligence results in the death of a student. After a temporary suspension of his license to teach, and after paying a fine of $1500 dollars, he is able to resume teaching.
What’s wrong with this picture?
gmknobl 07.28.08 at 7:13 am
Perhaps the first solution is to put police, lawyers AND judges on a bike for a month of commuting to work then see how they view the situation.
Yes, it’s a fantasy but one I’m willing to live with.