We have the freedom to do what we want. However, that freedom is tempered by a responsibility to not do things that “unreasonably” interfere with our neighbors’ ability to enjoy the use of their property.

Most folks respect their neighbors, but today that is missing. You have cell phones going off in church and library. People use vulgar language no matter who is present. It is even OK by some to disrespect the U.S. president.

For those who believe, God teaches us how to live together as neighbors. When asked which is the great commandment, Jesus answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord God with all thy heart.”

And then he added, “And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

This country was founded on the basis that people had inalienable rights. However, we don’t have the right to do anything we want. My right to swing my fist ends where your nose begins.

Unfortunately, the Checotah Police Department is not familiar with these rights.

We have very noisy neighbors who pull trucks in and out at all hours, work on them into late hours and play music as loud as they want even though we can’t hear our own TV.

I called another neighbor to ask if it was a problem for them and was told that they now have to keep their door shut at all times because of the noise. So we decided to call Checotah police. They did come to the residence where the music was being played so loud. They did not get out of their vehicle.

They motioned the guy and pointed toward our house and left. Of course, nothing changed. The music went on for another hour until we again called the police and also tried to get hold of the Mayor Marvin Nichols to see what could be done. But again nothing. 

Rusty L. Lane

Checotah