Refusing a breath test in Missoula would be charged as a misdemeanor with a first offense fine of $300 if Councilman Dave Strohmaier has his way. The councilman convened a DUI panel to talk during a recent Public Safety and Health Committee meeting. Councilman Strohmaier chairs the committee. One of the ideas that emerged was making refusal of blood or breath tests a misdemeanor and the city attorney's office moved quickly on a draft.

"Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

Benjamin Franklin

We can't expect the American People to jump from Capitalism to Communism, but we can assist their elected leaders in giving them small doses of Socialism, until they awaken one day to find that they have Communism.

America has seen an erosion of Liberty and Freedom. It doesn't happen overnight. It is whittled away slowly, piece by piece. And, quite frankly, many American patriots have had enough. Councilman Strohmaier and Socialist/Communist elected officials like him are the enemy of Liberty and the Constitution of the United States of America for which many Americans have given their life to protect.

God forbid another American ever lose their life to a drunk driver. God forbid another American family be forced to suffer such a loss. The answer, though, isn't to trample on the U.S. Constitution! There are many other ways to protect American citizens from drunk drivers.

• Tougher sentences for convictions with mandatory jail time starting with the first offense (30 days to be served consecutively or on weekends for first offense)
• Confiscation of vehicle for each offense upon conviction
• Demand law enforcement perform satisfactory and thorough investigations
• Hold taverns accountable for serving intoxicated patrons