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Wants pedestrian law enforced

To the editor:

Mr. Homer Martz, of Somers, was arrested for the desecration of the U.S. flag on Aug. 11 by two Calhoun County sheriffs for flying the flag upside down. Not knowing it was the law is one thing, and even though it is a misdemeanor, Iowa code 718A, why not just a warning ticket? Next time the arresting officers of any town should know any person’s rights of any case about the First Amendment.

This also pertains to other amendments and enforced laws. It also reads on about all officers failing to enforce such a flag law, they could be removed from office. Why doesn’t that pertain to all state laws of Iowa. And by now all officers should know about a pedestrian law chapter 6.7-67-.01 Iowa code section 321-326 if they ever read The Messenger in the last 10 years or so. I have been trying to get them to enforce. Just a warning ticket now and then would be sufficient. The total fine is $93.75. In the year of 2010, 20 pedestrians were killed.

This law has been in effect over 40 years and not even a warning ticket has been written. In case you don’t know that law, it reads that any person walking or running must be on their left side of any roadway facing the traffic at all times. An upside down flag never killed anyone, but a vehicle will. Pay attention all readers.

Merlin Fort

Dakota City

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