Isn’t it amazing how the neighbors and myself cannot get the police to enforce the speeders on the block where we live. It is even more amazing that the police are taken back by so many drivers going through the red light as caught on the cameras around town.

Yet the state of Maine has passed a law that requires the insurance companies to inform the state when a person’s insurance runs out or is canceled. Even the governor wants to increase the fees (excuse me, tax) for the penalty on not wearing a seat belt. But remember it’s a privilege (from Webster’s Dictionary, “permission, right or benefit granted to or enjoyed by an individual, class or caste”) to drive.

Perhaps the ordinary citizen is not in the right caste to enjoy driving. Or perhaps the state wants the insurance companies and electronic entities (camera operators) to enforce driving laws and leave the police to fee collecting (remember, the police may be able to stop you now just for a seat belt check and an easy $200).

Or even yet, perhaps the environmentalists are behind this great move. After all, they have been pushing for mass transportation for years. Maybe it’s the get-fit people as well – get out and walk. Maybe not, after all, the state knows what’s good for us, doesn’t it?

Andrew Rusinek, Auburn

Copy the Story Link