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Speed - counter argument

Several have expressed their repulsion at this topic, and I want everybody to 
notice that I didn't start it, this poster mentioned me by name, at which
point I'm going to reply.

>
>From: "Chad Klingbeil" <[email protected]>
>Date: Sat, 7 Sep 1996 11:10:19 -0500

>Just a couple of thoughts:  First, I'm appalled at the number of posters on
>this thread who feel it is OK to go driving around town in a 3000 lb.
>machine without knowing how fast they are driving!

Well I've got some more appalling for you, try anywhere from 35# to
125,000# that I personally have driven.

  Good grief, you don't
>need to be _staring_ at your speedometer, but I'm sure you're familiar with
>the concept of the "glance."

Your right, I don't need to look at it at all. And I haven't had a speeding
ticket in over 15 yrs.(and then I knew how fast I was going) A couple of the
rigs around the speedo's don't work on, doesn't make much difference.(course
one's a mercedes non-turbo diesel, there is no such thing as speed in it.)  

  City streets are a far cry from Talladega
>Raceway.  You have a responsibility to yourself, your passengers and the
>others using the road to drive safely,

I never said otherwise, and agree.

 or else your "privilege" to drive
>should be revoked in favor of the safety of others.

I don't know what your legal speciality is, but it certainly wouldn't appear
to have anything to do with transportation issues. I realize you can make an
argument for this, but I'd suggest you check where the authority and
jurisdiction for
this comes from.
 


>Which leads to my second point.  talltom feels that "there should be no
>such thing as officer discretion."  Fine.  Then, everyone exceeding 55 on
>the freeway here in town should be cited for speeding. 

Hold the heck on here. Let's use some thought before jumping to grandiose
assumptions. There are many alternatives, and some states currently use
much different methods.

 Fortunately, there
>is a recognition that safe traffic flow occurs at a rate greater than 55
>mph, and local law enforcement officials allow traffic to move at a higher
>speed.

I don't know where you got the idea that it's up to local law enforcement
to allow anything, but it might be interesting to see your documentation of
this.
Believe it or not in this country we have jurys, and if you will study the law
some you'll find that it's up to them to allow or not to allow.(study
William Penn
if you're inclined to argue.) Not somebody like Jeff. In fact, this system
was constructed this way as a means of keeping control of govt. and
citizens, by citizens. And I am NOT willing to cede any jury powers to govt.
employees for the same reason the founders wouldn't.  

>The third thing (I lied) that bothers me is the number of people who
>express anger and resentment at receiving speeding tickets when they were
>in fact speeding!

It's real simple. Just because a group of legislators can make a law that
ignores their oath of office, and can find somebody to "enforce" it for
money does not make it right. Currently unconstitutional laws are passed
as a matter of operating proceedure, being as those involved are immune
from prosecution. Why not? It's no skin off their nose. But the lowly citizen
only has to have 2.5-5 mil, and 5-10 years to appeal to the supreme ct. to
get what supposed to be his. Of course when he wins, another just as
unconstitutional law is passed immediately. Results, you have no guarantees
of anything, except for whatever 
the political class wants. 
   In summary the difference between "law enforcement" types ignoring citizens
rights because they're "just doing a job" and Jimmy Valentine's Guys "just doing
a job" is small.

  What ever happened to personal accountability?

I'll second that.


 Fine.  For my tax dollar, I'm
>more comfortable knowing that there are law enforcement people out on the
>road, all day, every day, keeping those roads safe, and keeping speeding
>violations in check.

Well I'd be a lot more comfortable with peace officers or saftey officers
than any law enforcement, and our personal comfort level is subservient to 
the bill of rights, amongst other things. But I am glad it's costing you.
 
>Here's to responsible driving. And living.
>
>Chad Klingbeil

Agreed, you ought to try it sometime.