hudson.. i respect you .. i really do.. but i can't understand how you don't see the point of my post... responsibility.. question(honest) why would you speed in the first place? knowing that the highways were designed for a certain limit.. just being an engineer i have to ask you that.. it ain't nascar bro
Well, first, I appreciate the kind words of respect.
Second, I guess my perspective has evolved away from the position you currently hold, to more of an understanding that in order for societies to function properly, there are basic needs that the state--however you want to define the state--needs to provide. The provision of those services almost certainly needs to be done collectively and funded with "tax" dollars. Now, we can get into a very philosophical conversation about HOW all of this should take place. But fundamentally, the notion that it shouldn't is silly to me. I'd venture that I've seen first hand,societies trying to function with this basic lack of service, while utilizing this ala carte method more than anyone on this board. It's rife with corruption, graft and bias. People die for lack of basic services. Would the US devolve into one of these places? Probably not. However, look at the aftermath of acute disasters in this country. When pressed in the face of a severe lack of services, some communities rallied (NY post black-out and New England post ice storm) and some burned themselves down (NOLA post Katrina). In your model, who is the calvary when systems break down? Surely you aren't solving that problem with expanded CCW rights (of which I am in favor, if that matters to this conversation)?
Third, what type of engineer are you? Because I've lived in several states and driven in about 48 of them. The speed limit is noticeably higher in many other states, several of which share NJ's congestion issues, and traffic flows more smoothly and there is no increase in fatal accidents. The idea that 55 is some magic safety number is ridiculous on its face.
Fourth, the speeding ticket comment was meant to be tongue in cheek as to the absurdity of your argument.
I don't NEED the government for my day to day needs. I don't NEED the police to protect my family post Sandy. However, I also don't have the time to take away from my pursuit of family and professional goals, to be a full time Wyatt Earp or Marcus Welby, MD.
I vacation in the OBX every year. Most beaches don't have lifeguards. I've fished 3 kids out of the ocean in the last 8 years, treated 2 jelly fish stings and used an epi-pen and treated for shock on a kid who went into anaphylaxis. I'm comfortable with the ole self reliance mantra. I'm comfortable weighing risk and reward when deciding where to spread my beach blanket. But there are times that I don't want to deal with it and appreciate the beach with the lifeguard. I appreciate the overwatch that a lifeguard and life saving station can provide. I appreciate the level of training and equipment they bring to the table. To call them useless is both uncalled for and frankly, stupid.
