Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/135388
Voices Hot Buttons Trials for terrorism A national firestorm erupted in the wake of the pressurecooker bombs set off by brothers Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev at the Boston Marathon. The long-standing debate about how to most effectively deal with individuals suspected of terrorist attacks on U.S. soil rekindled, with officials in places as high as the U.S. Senate urging suspension of the suspects' constitutional rights and a declaration of both as enemy combatants. A significant number of respondents to our polling on the issue agreed in general terms, as 60 percent T EN UDGM J What is the best venue for trying terrorism suspects for their crimes? of readers favored military tribunals as the appropriate venue for adjudicating terrorist acts. "They get hung there faster," noted Michael Cortez, Military tribunals commenting on our Facebook page U.S. 60% judicial and reflecting most of the commensystem, tary posted there. but only Rebecca Martinez: "An eye for U.S. for U.S. judicial citizens an eye." system 17% Josh Cronch: "Anywhere that 13% doesn't cost the U.S. taxpayer." I don't know 2% Other 8% The only surviving bomber, 19-year-old Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, in Many respondents remarked on Overdrive's Facebook page that they the end will be tried in U.S. courts, would hold no quarter for those given his status as a citizen. A third known to have committed atrocities Terrorists of readers agreed with such a process, on U.S. soil.trial, wrotedon't deserve any sort of Todd with almost half of those readers sup- Ramey: "You kill anyone for the simple fact that they won't convert to porting solidly constitutional judicial your beliefs – why should we bestow treatment of all terror suspects. a trial on you?" How to avoid being the last independent standing Today we say "long live the owner-operator," but 10 years from now will we be saying the same thing? Year after year, more owner-operators go out of business. Everyone is quick to jump in, pass judgment and say he or she didn't know how to stay in business. This could not be further from the truth. You have to look at the factors driving the owner-operator out: the high cost of fuel, insurance and trucks. Add to that the conThe May issue showed numerous examples of profitable niche shorthaul operations. Scan the QR to pull it up on your phone, or find the issue at OverdriveOnline.com. tracts for hauling goods. The idea of an owner-operator may be the only thing we have to hold on to. Those of us leased to a carrier think we are an owner-operator, but we're not. We are using the carrier's authority to operate. Oh, yes, we pay for the fuel, the insurance, the truck and trailer and all the upkeep of the truck and trailer. We have the right to refuse a load, and we can shut down and take time off when we want. But we are nothing more than an extension of a company driver with options. As an owner-operator, I chose early in my driving career to be a heavy hauler, and with that came Watch for our Hot Button questions and have your political voice heard at: good paychecks. I have retired after 48 years. My last yearly gross settlement was $275,560. After expenses, my profit was $155,060. None of the equipment or shippers or receivers ever talked back to me about what I had on my trailer. I worked for me. Not everyone can haul heavy loads that high, wide and over-length. Nevertheless, if you think you're cut out for it, take the chance. One day you could be making good money for your services. How many of you can say that as you sit 16 to 24 hours at a shipper or receiver waiting to get loaded or unloaded? — Mike McRae, Elkins, W.Va. Facebook.com/OverdriveTrucking @OverdriveUpdate 14 | Overdrive | June 2013 Voices_0613.indd 14 5/28/13 10:44 PM