The American Spectator

Another Perspective

Turning Left on Red

By Eric Peters on 12.13.07 @ 12:07AM

(Page 2 of 2)

BUT THAT WOULD ONLY BE half of it. A high-skilled driver (just like a high-skilled martial artist) may use his higher skills irresponsibly. To counter that, the tiered system would contain provisions calling for immediate revocation of privileges for confirmed abuse (such as reckless driving) as well as a major review (with possible revocation) anytime the bearer is involved in an at-fault accident.

Penalties for operating a vehicle on the restricted high-speed lanes (or exercising "top" license privileges such as making a right on red) when not properly licensed would also have to be severe enough to make anyone think twice about abusing the system. Arrest on the spot. Vehicle impounded and (upon conviction of the owner) sold at auction. End of story.

Violations would likely be few and far between. And we'd enjoy freer-flowing roads, less henpecky and counterproductive laws -- and less misuse of police manpower, too. Everything would run a lot more smoothly.

But it will never happen -- for despite all the talk about America being a merit-based society, the reality is that on the roads, it's socialism -- from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs. No one's allowed to rise above the level of the least common denominator.

At least, not without risking a piece of payin' paper!

Letter to the Editor

topics:
Law, NATO, Socialism