Laws making it illegal to smoke while driving if children in car

I can't believe seat belt laws! I mean, if I want to die in an accident, then I should be allowed to be!

 

As long as you're carrying full coverage insurance I completely agree.

 

People get use to regulations over time or if it was put in place before they were born. They've never had that freedom so they don't know what they're missing.

Our main difference is you see the government as (part of) the solution, I see it as the problem.

 

You are only allowed to remain in this conversation if you tell us WHO the heck is wearing those boots in your sig photo. That sig is getting distracting!

See, now this may be where I am wrong, and feel free to speak up of course, but after reading what you wrote there, it makes me think you are for abolishing government and just letting people do what they will. I am hoping that I am incorrect. Again, I pose the question to you, how SHOULD we go about protecting the children from this stuff, if NOT by using the government. Or do you think we should just say screw it and let the US run rampant with everyone doing whatever they want?

 

Please do not wear a seatbelt...ever! Go Flyers!!!

This...the art of self reliance, being resourceful, and common sense are long gone. I blame gubment and people wanting to be coddled.

 

This is what I don't understand either , when people argue that any new law infringes on their freedom to do as they please . Essentially are not laws created to put in place a penalty for behaviour deemed outside of that acceptable by the majority of the populace ? Isn't that how a democracy works ?

 

I've designed a new seatbelt just for you buddy. It's very comfortable, and it only gently wraps around you, just below your chin.

I suggest you give it a try, couple hard stops should show you how it works.

Go Pens.

 

The problem is the dipshits who don't die.

 

Unfortunately the majority isn't always right. The flaw of democracy. Case in point... Ovomit.

 

The fact is that this smoking law is already in effect and arguing over it either for or against and blaming the Government seems pointless here. Maybe take your concerns to your local congressman and try and convince them why this should or should not be a law.

 

There is all ways another country let me know if you find one that meets your criteria. They are called laws our elected officials intact these laws you wish to change the laws either run for a government position or vote for someone you think will change the way government works that is what freedom is all about.

 

The federal government can not be abolished. It is however much bigger than it should be. Its jobs should be simple leaving majority of the powers to the states as was intended. But we've strayed so far from that.

As for keeping children safe I think you should take look at a bigger picture. Look into history and you will find that powerful governments are the biggest killers of humans in history, whether war or genocide. Why would we want to take any step that could give the government that type of power? Sure this is a small step/law we're talking but the longest journey is started with a single step. Heck, look at how long we've been in continuous war. Could you really look me in the eye and say 99% of everyone in the federal government isn't power hungry?

 

Bingo

 

We're in a Constitution Republic not a democracy. You remember what you swore to uphold when you became a police officer? Just because the majority wants a law doesn't mean it's constitutional.

Edit: This country would be pretty good if we followed the COTUS the way it was intended.

 

OZ why is it the Canadians seem to understand how a democratic government works so much better than the Americans?

 

It's not my place to decide that I'm not a judge.

 

I hate going back inside a quote for more quote, but yeah... This stuff ^^^^.

You say education is the key, but even with education people STILL will do what they want IF THERE IS NO DIRECT CONSEQUENCE. Laws provide direct consequence for your actions. You break law X, you get Y punishment. I can sit there and tell people all day long the dangers of second hand smoke, and the dangers of it in a confined space of a car. THAT is not in itself going to stop people from doing it. Fear of PUNISHMENT is what gets peoples attention! Education is important, and I agree that smoking has gone down overall because of this education. There are advertizements and news articles and everything out there talking about the dangers of second hand smoke for YEARS however, and people are STILL smoking in cars with kids inside.

Exactly! And laws change over time. New laws are needed for new things, and old laws get faded into the past. Times change, and laws must change with the times.

 

I understand the law and why it would help. I just hate the thought of another law that protects me and my kids from myself. Of course I dont have kids, dont smoke, and wont smoke with kids in the car anyway, but I would prefer it to be my choice. But what I would also prefer is that we were smart enough in the first place to know it shouldnt be ok and that your own smoking habbit is destroying your children's lungs.

 

Am I allowed to use ignorance of the law as an excuse? Neither should you. Remember you are the example not the exception.

I said it earlier in this thread, not sure if it was at you or someone else but it needs to be said again. "Just following orders" is only a sign of ignorance.

 

With that type of thinking, then we may as well say why should the government do ANYTHING to help the general populous? Do what you want, smoke all you want, and if the poor kids get cancer, well hell, tough luck, should have stayed away from those who smoke.

I am not saying ANYTHING at all about those in power being power hungry or not. See, the thing is, we can never have a perfect country unless those who are in power don't WANT the power. The problem is you can't get those who DON'T want the power into office. Those who do not wish to govern, are those who should BE the government. But that will NEVER happen, and you know that as well as I do. The only ones who will ever be there are those who want to be there. I agree with all of this, in that there are a lot of things the government shouldn't get involved in. I agree. However the health of our CHILDREN should be paramount to EVERYONE.

You cry out for education being the solution, but you know as well as I do that you can teach until you are blue in the face, but those being taught will never DO unless one of two things come about: Their desire to do the right thing, or the fear of punishment for doing the wrong thing. You KNOW this is true. It has been true for humans since the dawn of time. And today's society is all about ME. Give ME what I want, and screw the rest of you. And that is the sad truth.