Is it just me, or is there a proliferation of illegal mufflers? It's a growing nuisance even here in our small town. The corner muffler shop owner is getting rich hacking off brand new, factory mufflers and replacing them with the loudest, biggest, most ridiculous pipes I've even seen.

It's the "LOOK-AT-ME" syndrome being perpetrated by our growing, low-brow population and the police are just looking the other way. These morons, driving everything from Harleys to Hondas think it's some kind of status symbol to make noise. Oh yeah, that's quite an accomplishment. Like we don't have enough noise in our life already. (Hell, I swear I think our fire department blows their sirens on the way BACK from a fire!)

Don't get me wrong, I love cars. I like a little rumble coming from a high performance V-8, like the new Corvettes (or the old ones for that matter). And I can understand the teenage loser, saving up for a new Flowmaster for his four cylinder Ford Ranger, thinking that ANY means of being noticed is better than nothing. If his parents had any sense (or any consideration for their neighbors), they would explain to junior that his ride doesn't sound good, it's just loud. Actually, it sounds like a worn out farm tractor. Juvenile desperation to be cool.

Ok, my point is this: if this needless noise bothers you, call your city councilman, mayor or police chief and complain. If they tell you, "Come to the council meeting and bring it up", don't buy it. Tell him/her that the law is already on the books and you just want it enforced without becoming a target for retribution from these mindless morons making needless noise. Go on, call them. Until enough people complain, it will only get worse. Once your community loses control of these little qualities of life, bigger crime will follow.