ImWithStupid
New member
What did you say, eddo? Sorry I didn't catch that, I was too busy texting on my phone, shopping online on my laptop, while driving away from my 5 martini lunch.
Did you say something about a bad idea?
eddo
New member
ummm....
that is where I got the idea that you wanted gov't to ban all distractions while driving. Was I mistaken? Did you have some other form of ban enforcement in mind? If so, I'd be interested in hearing your idea.
I try very hard to limit my extra-curricular activities while driving, because you never know what is gonna happen.
Now who's getting nasty?
timesjoke
Active Members
eddo,
Enforcing the ban on cellphone use would not increase Government in any way, it would simply be a ticketing offense treated the same way speeding is enforced, I even gave speeding as an example.
No need for new Government offices.
No need for new Government employees.
No need for extra taxes.
So how in the heck do you say I am asking for bigger Government?
Enforcing the ban on cellphone use would not increase Government in any way, it would simply be a ticketing offense treated the same way speeding is enforced, I even gave speeding as an example.
No need for new Government offices.
No need for new Government employees.
No need for extra taxes.
So how in the heck do you say I am asking for bigger Government?
eddo
New member
Because, as I see it, it would most definitely be giving gov't more control over our lives as citizens. more control = bigger gov't.
People as a whole are stupid and irresponsible, so where does that line stop? Now it's cell phones and texting. What's next? no eating while driving? no radio's? no talking to passengers? everyone only allowed to drive a GM because they are "safer" (and the gov't owns stake in them?) No halter tops for women while driving because they might distract that guy next to you?
Honestly a texting ban would affect me none. I don't text while driving. I did once, and immediately realized how much attention it took away from my driving, and how dangerous it was. Both my sisters, however, do, and both have gotten a lecture from me about how stupid a decision it is.
At what point to we just had over all control and become mindless puppets? People (as a whole) have GOT to start taking responsibility for themselves and quit counting on big gov't to protect them from themselves.
ImWithStupid
New member
It flies in the face of the 10th Amendment and states rights. The Fedzilla telling the states what they have to do.
timesjoke
Active Members
There are already laws governing driving under public safety guidelines. When existing laws were made texting and even cellphones were not an issue, today they are. Adding cellphones to the list would not change anything at all.
Your personal rights end where another's rights begin. If your putting other people at risk, it needs to be dealt with.
The average person is a mindless puppet and will not take responsibility unless forced to.
I am sad to admit this, but it is true no matter what we would "like" to see.
eddo
New member
both valid points, and I can see where you are coming from with them. I do still think that this will give gov't more of a foothold in our daily lives, though, when it already has more than it needs to have now.
I just think it is stupid that we have to have a law to keep people from doing stupid things.
It's a fine line in letting gov't get to big for it's britches, and it will be darn near impossible to cross back over later.
timesjoke
Active Members
Well if peopel would do it themselves then there would be no need but look at your own example eddo.
You say even your sisters do this so where is the accountability in people when even a seemingly responsible person like you can't get through to your own family?
The average person is a zombie eddo, incapable of seeing past their own desires and wants. I hate to admit it, I don't want Government in my life any more that it already is but what are our alternatives?
How do you think we can get these people to stop? I am all ears, if you have a better way, please tell me.
ImWithStupid
New member
I think the point goes back to the Federal Government overstepping it's bounds. I personally think that banning cell phone/texting while driving is a good thing, but am against the federal government flexing it's fiscal muscle to strong arm states into adopting these laws.
It should be up to the state. If the federal government forces it by financial threat like an abusive partner withholding/controlling money to control their partner to keep them in their place, it's an expansion of big government.
timesjoke
Active Members
I don't care what brance of Government enacts a ban of distracting elements while driving, remember we are not talking about a right, driving is not a right and people must be required to operate vehicles in a safe way because if they mess up, it is not jut them who are in danger but it is instead the minivan filled with kids who die because of an idiot on a cellphone who cannot pay attention to what their doing.
ImWithStupid
New member
Why can you not grasp my point? My point is, that if the federal government is forcing states to enact laws, it is an over reaching of the federal government and expansion by proxy.
It doesn't matter what the law is it can be a dog at large law, the federal government shouldn't be telling states what laws to enact.
timesjoke
Active Members
I can't grasp your point?
What gives you that idea?
Because I didn't agree with it?
I can easily understand your point but in my opinion I don't see it as any change at all. If this was something new maybe, but the Federal Government has been using sticks and carrots on the States for a very long time now.
Look at things like the road funding to maintain certain highway speeds 30 years ago.
Look at conditional school funding.
Look at the stimulus package and how there were certain hoops that the States had to jump through to get the money.
Something like this would not even be a blip on the screen of States/Federal rights.
But there is another much simpler answer.......the States can see that it is important and get this done so the Federal Government does not have to.
