Police State

Arthur’s 2005 Mazda RX8 proved to be a rather delightful chariot of choice for my family outing this weekend. It loves to cruise around 85 MPH. particularly on 65 MPH interstate highways. Unfortunately, going 84 MPH on I-84 is illegal and a !@#$%^& cop reminded Arthur of this fact.

After smugly writing a ticket at 5 AM in the morning (as opposed to 5 AM at night), I remembered why I despise police. I have never met a decent, honest, and/or respectable cop. Being a fiscal conservative and politically libertarian, I believe that most officer duties should be stripped and road laws significantly altered. I have never written about these and related issues, so bring out my soapbox:

  • Speeding should be a secondary offense.
  • Car inspections should be required yearly, but not having an up-to-date inspection should be a secondary offense.
  • Seatbelts should not be required, though I support their use.
  • Driving under the influence of any intoxicant should result in a minimum 20-year license suspension.
  • SUVs and non-commercial vehicles that have a fossil fuel efficiency less than 25 miles per gallon should have a luxury tax that offsets the cost of tax incentives to owners of vehicles less dependent upon non-renewable fuels (including hybrids, eco-fuel, and hydrogen vehicles).

This entry was posted on Saturday, July 23rd, 2005 at 14:34 and is tagged .

7 Responses to “Police State”

  1. Arthur Says:
    July 25th, 2005 at 17:07

    It is a good thing that I love you enough to pay the $190.00 ticket. Humm. . .who would have paid it if it were $200.00?

  2. Jeremiah Says:
    July 25th, 2005 at 17:15

    It’s your ticket. You have to pay it.

  3. Jeremiah Says:
    July 25th, 2005 at 19:39

    I am just teasing in my usual dry sarcastic biting manner that I reserve for only those I cherish the most. ;-)

  4. Ryan Says:
    July 25th, 2005 at 23:00

    So where was that “dry sarcastic biting manner” hiding when I was in Boston? I was only greeted with seemingly sincere warmth. Does that mean I am not cherished?! For shame, Jeremiah; and I’ve spent all this time with you for what?

  5. Caleb Says:
    July 26th, 2005 at 2:37

    Rest assured, there are plenty of decent, honest, and respectable cops out there… I know a bunch of them. But just as is the case with many things, a few crappy ones spoil our perception of the whole population. I’ve had my share of run-ins with cops, and in those times, I think that police suck, and I have to remind myself of all the great cops I know, and that the bad ones really are the minority. By the way, I like your idea of taxing SUV’s. I think that’s a super idea.

  6. Jeremiah Says:
    July 26th, 2005 at 8:58

    Oh Ryan… you’re an ass. ( ::grin:: you know I love ya)

    Caleb: I take that back. Your dad is the only one I’ve met.