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Post Info TOPIC: The more things change....
fear of shiz


Profuse Pontificator

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The more things change....
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In early medieval times, trade and travel was hampered by the existence of toll collectors--usually minor nobility who had the rights to demand toll money for passage through their land.  Essentially it was a legal form of brigandry--the nobility had the right to do this, but it was easily abused.  A traveler had no choice but to pay up if he wanted to continue his travel.

Today's news out of Virginia:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/22/AR2007062201781.html?hpid=topnews

"The cost of bad driving is about to go up. Way up.

Say you are driving 78 mph on the Capital Beltway and a state trooper tickets you for "reckless driving -- speeding 20 mph over." You will probably be fined $200 by the judge. But then you will receive a new, additional $1,050 fine from the Old Dominion, payable in three convenient installments. So convenient that you must pay the first one immediately, at the courthouse."



IMO, this is just proof that traffic laws and the penalties attached thereto are not about public safety, but about revenue.  I have a particular sore spot about this because recently I got caught not making a full stop by one of those red-light cameras.  I was making a right-hand turn, and yes, I slowed, but did not completely stop.  So I get to pay $50 to a local city.  This is about revenue, not safety. It is no different than the petty knight/toll collector of old, who was just a legalized bandit.



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I'm not voting for Ron Paul because it's not expressly prescribed in the Constitution.
Roper


Senior Bucketkeeper

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Licenses and fines have become essential revenue-producers for most city services.

I used to do ride-alongs with my friend who's a police officer. On one occasion, he said he was grateful about not being a traffic cop because they have ticket quotas.  How can ticket quotas be about anything other than revenue?

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Cocobeem


Keeper of the Holy Grail

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That's why you should be especially careful about speeding toward the end of the month. nod.gif

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crazymom5


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My husband had to fly to Omaha this past week and drive 2 hrs to his destination to inspect a Social Security office remodel. His flights were delayed and he was over 8 hrs behind schedule. He was the only car on a stretch of highway in the middle of nowhere, it was after 11pm, he noticed a car going in the opposite direction. Turned out to be a state trooper, who made a u-turn and pulled dh over for speeding. He was going 5 miles over the speed limit! No one else on the road for miles!!! The cost of the ticket $109! His boss said to turn it in with all his other trip receipts, he was after all on company time.

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salesortonscom


Wise and Revered Master

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The politicians have figured out that they can't raise taxes without getting hammered by the electorate so they use fees and fines to generate revenue now because it doesn't get as much scrutiny. Sad.

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