Fast Cars Don't Equal Rich Kids
By Dimitri Rigopoulos '99

     First of all, I would like to start out by saying that any opinions regarding my articles, be they negative or positive, are welcomed. Everyone has the right to freedom of speech, just as I have the right to freedom of the press.

     Second, I would like to respond to the notion that I am giving some students at Jesuit High School, an outlet to flaunt "[their] imagined superiority." The purpose of my article was not to promote "the segregation of the rich and the poor." The purpose was to write an article that would appeal to those who like speed and cars in general. I reread the article looking for any evidence that might have given way to this opinion of Mr. Mirell's, and I can say that there is no comparison between Mr. Watson's car and any one else's automobile. It was simply about the car's performance, and how much time and effort are involved in fixing a car. There is expense in anything that we do. Working on cars, be it for restoration or buildup up of performance is just like any other hobby. Just as with stamp collecting, coin collecting, or comic collecting, working on cars costs money. Unlike these other hobbies, there aren't any million-dollar parts to add to your car. There are however million dollar stamps, coins, and comics. Are they flaunting imagined superiority because they have the first issue that Marvel or DC Comics ever produced?

     Since the focus of the response was on the "superfluous amounts of money that we 'fast car driving misfits'" have. I would like to take this opportunity address the situation of driving cars in general. Those of you who have something to drive back and forth to school every day, be thankful. There are many people who can't afford to buy, insure, and maintain an automobile.

     Lastly, feeding egos is that last thing that the article was meant for. I myself drive what could be considered a fast car. I worked every day for three summers, 9 hours a day in order to be able to afford to buy the car I drive now. I don't have superfluous amounts of money. It all has to do with the ranking of priorities. To some, a nice car is a top priority. To others it isn't.

     Before I go, I would like to address Mr. Mirell personally. Since my column has everything to do with cars, I offer to write an article about his 1986 Plymouth Voyager if he wants me to. There is no criterion that cars need to possess to gain entrance to this column. Any inquiries about and suggestions for future articles are most welcome.