Letter to the Editor
Editor,

I am appalled that you continue to run a weekly advertisement from a Waynesboro photography studio depicting both a very unsafe and illegal activity. The ad I refer to shows a photograph of a young lady sitting on a railroad track, with her legs and feet inside the gauge between the rails. While the photo appears cute, railroad property is not for the general public to trespass upon, and certainly not for studios to stage photographs to run in advertisements.

This photo, while seemingly harmless, could falsely give youth and adults the thought that playing around active railroad tracks is something that is approved. The photo is irresponsible and the ad should never run again in The Millen News or any other publication.

All railway property is private, and it is illegal for the public to trespass upon it. In addition, railway property is a very dangerous environment and no human other than rail workers in the line of duty should ever be on the property.

Having just recently retired from Norfolk Southern Corp. after almost 36 years of service, I have personal experience with the investigation of trespasser fatalities due to the general public thinking it is harmless or fun to walk on the rail, or to stand or walk between the rails inside the gauge. It is neither. Trains can appear quickly and quietly, striking individuals who are preoccupied with their thoughts, music or nature. And no human has a chance when being struck by a locomotive and several thousand tons of equipment and freight.

I previously wrote to the advertiser pointing out the dangers and illegal nature of the photograph. I also asked them to refrain from using the photograph. No one responded, and I see the ad continues to run week after week.

I implore The Millen News to contact this advertiser and inform them that you will be a responsible community business by refusing to run this ad in its current format again. I am not opposed to advertising, but I am opposed to planting a seed in someone's mind that shows a dangerous and illegal activity. Please, for the sake of all citizens in the Millen-Jenkins County community, pull this ad until the advertiser changes the photo. The life you save by being responsible may be your own child, grandchild, neighbor or friend.

Sincerely, Paul M. Davis

Grayson