I am disappointed at Governor Sanford's response to child safety issues. On June 3, the governor voted a "Child Safety Restraints" bill, followed by his June 13 veto of "Chandler's Law," an ATV safety bill for children ages 16 and under. In his misguided response he says these issues are a "parent's responsibility." Some legislators also see this as a "parental right" issue. They state that they should be allowed to let their child ride an ATV without any formal training or safety gear if they so choose.

Let's face it. Adults who purchase ATVs do not suddenly become experts on ATV safety, let alone experts in training someone else. Unfortunately, most often the child's first introduction to an ATV is "here are the keys."

Over 20 states have ATV safety laws in place to protect their children while we sit back and watch as South Carolina's children are injured, some fatally, on ATVs. S.C. legislators argue that it is an individual's right to make the decision to put small children on these vehicles with no training or safety gear. If we are going to argue rights, what about the child's right to be protected?

Whether or not the children in S.C. mean anything to you, Governor, they mean everything to me. While you take the "laissez faire" approach to the safety of S.C.'s children, I prefer to use my common sense and stand up for all of our state's children. It's a shame that you, Governor, can't do the same.

Pamela M. Saylor

Swansea, S.C.