If you’re like me, you are probably counting down the days to when Barack Obama takes over.  It is a common myth that many trends start in California then spread across the country.  For example subprime lending was rampant in California first, and it fell apart there first.  Well while everyone was enjoying the holidays, California’s bankrupt political leaders pushed forward their plan for addressing their state’s massive budget shortfall.  Basically the answer was to raise taxes…a lot. Hopefully this trend of rising taxes is one that doesn’t spread across the country.

Students of the Great Depression know that the depression was prolonged by a massive expansion of taxation.  Because of this stigma, I don’t expect Obama to “raise taxes.”  However, I do expect him to encourage government confiscation of wealth through whatever means possible.  This confiscation of wealth won’t be called a tax.  It will be described through terms like tarrifs, duties, fees, carbon exchange credits, or speeding tickets.

If you are like me, you have probably noticed more cops out on their beats keeping our streets safe from those negligent criminals who drive 9 miles per hour too fast.  I am therefore encouraging all of the readers of the Independent Bloghorn to register on speedtrap.org.  This is a site where you can register to see where the traffic enforcement government funding program is having their fundraisers so you can avoid them.  I also recommend this article to help you know what you can do if there is a speed trap in your community.

We should also become acquainted with the Motorists Bill of Rights:

1. The right to traffic regulation based on sound engineering principles and public consensus.
2. Clear guarantees that revenue collected from highway users for highway purposes be used for such purposes, and that all streets, roads, and highways be properly maintained, signed and regulated in a manner that expedites travel.
3. Freedom from unreasonable search and seizure and the guarantee that all traffic stops will be based on probable cause.
4. The right to choose the type of vehicle and related equipment that best meets an individual’s needs and preferences.
5. Protection from discourteous and reckless drivers including those who deliberately impede traffic, who threaten other motorists with their actions, or who are impaired or incompetent.
6. Freedom from unreasonable surcharges, fees, taxes, and fines.
7. Complete access to all public streets, roads, and highways, free of arbitrary restrictions, exorbitant fees, or governmental attempts to dictate personal travel choices.
8. Freedom from driver license suspensions or revocations for non-driving violations or matters of personal conduct.
9. Protection from arbitrary and exploitative insurance industry practices.
10. The right to a fair and impartial trial for traffic offenses, including a trial by jury if requested by the defendant.

Anyway, when it all comes down to it if our bankrupt governments really want to monetize our driving habits then they should sell exclusive rights to speed.  For example if you drive a car that meets a special, more rigorous safety inspection that determines that your car can drive safely at higher speeds, then you should be able to pay for the right to drive fast.