I have always been rather conservative and have always been a huge supporter of law enforcement; however, over the weekend, I was faced with a situation that made me start to questions certain things in society.

The situation I faced was a DUI checkpoint. I have been in law enforcement for over 20 years, so I understand the premise of the checkpoints. In effect, we are trying to deter drinkers from driving and potentially hurting themselves and more importantly innocent people who just happen to be in the area.

I understand all this, yet while waiting in line for 10-15 minutes just to get to the head of the line so I could speak with the police officer and then proceed on my way, I began to wonder why this police action should negatively impact my life.

First and foremost, I don't drink. Therefore, when I am driving down a public roadway doing nothing wrong, then have to stop to assure an officer that I am sober, I begin to get upset.

As I said, I understand the principle of the DUI checkpoint, but don't know if I wholeheartedly support a private citizen having to pay for the wrongs of the portion of society that chooses to drink and drive. Those people drink and drive, yet I get stopped right along with them.

I am not anti-drinking and believe people should be free to consume alcohol if they so choose. However, their decision to do this shouldn't negatively impact me.

I know, this all sounds self-centered. I should be willing to give up 15 minutes of my time so the police can potentially eliminate one more drunk driver from the roadway. This sounds good, but if drinking and driving is such a bad thing, why don't they simply outlaw drinking all together.

I know there would still be people out there drinking (and driving), but it would cut into the numbers overall.