Market Correction

Editor, New Orleans Times-Picayune

Dear Editor:

Befuddled that many Louisianans don't wish to force motorcyclists to wear helmets, Nicholette Shannon suggests that safety is always more important than what she dismisses as "convenience" (Letters, June 19).

Safety, however, clearly does not always trump convenience. If it did, no one would ever ride a motorcycle to begin with. Indeed, no one would ride in automobiles, jaywalk, or eat fast food. Each of us routinely trades-off some safety to get more convenience. And no one, including Ms. Shannon, should presume that her preferred balance between safety and convenience is or ought to be the preferred balance for other persons.

Sincerely,
Donald J. Boudreaux
Chairman, Department of Economics
George Mason University