John Olson’s “Dexter the Texter” is a great commentary about the seriousness of texting and driving, which is unfortunately becoming a bigger and bigger problem not only Texas but across the nation. John brings humor to the opening paragraph with a nod to the popular television series, writing.... “he is Dexter the Texter, and he is gunning for us!” While this is somewhat comical, it is an effective attention grabber, which is essential for any editorial.
John then goes on to cite articles and quotes from legislator Tom Craddick, which brings authority to his piece. By citing this article, he makes his commentary more credible than it would be if it were merely pure opinion. John also offers a website, distraction.gov, as a tool for more information on texting and driving, which I think is great because it leaves the reader with a means to implement changes he talks about making.
I wholeheartedly agree with John’s article. In fact, I am embarrassed to admit that I am a Dexter the Texter on occasion. Before reading John’s piece, I didn’t know that Austin had a ban against texting and driving! The one thing that I was left wondering, is whether the author agrees with this legislative approach to the problem, or whether he thinks it is a moral obligation on the individual’s part. I think that’s the biggest question I found myself pondering after reading this. It kind of ties in to the philosophical question, “do just people make a just society, or does a just society make just people”? If laws are in place against texting and driving, will people only follow them for fear of punishment? Or will they realize that it’s a matter of safety and personal responsibility?
