i totally agree with you (firedog) about certain laws that are brought about by unsafe actions, like for instance the headlight covers. I personally would never buy those because I want people to see me while i'm driving and would rather steer clear of any situation that could persuade an accident. I just do not believe this country is "free" anymore. I believe that we are ran more by the government more now than ever before (excluding the time when britain was here). The problem that I face is how stupid people can do certain things to make the public unsafe in order for the states to make laws that pertain to one specific situation that has happened it the past. using a reference... when 9/11 happened (may they rest in peace) does that mean we start discrimination? stop using flight as travel? be afraid and have to look back over our shoulders each day? go about our lives and complain when we got onions on our burger instead of pickles when people around the world would give their left hand for onions or pickles? I don't believe that is a free way of life anymore. I understand about safety and regulation to keep our streets safe; however, just because a guy shoots up a school or commits suicide by firearm does not mean we have to ban firearms. its not the weapon that made it happen its the stupid person who caused the gun to point and shoot.
with all of this rambling on I just want to explain that I understand that a reckless driving ticket is reasonable but just because one person does one thing to cause a problem does not mean we have to change our way of life by making laws in order to keep a small minority happy while the others get tickets for small mindless things such as a license plate.
Also... I also agree that the consumer should be responsible for any actions taken by using the product not the manufacturers... why should we sue browning or smith and wesson for a fatal shooting, or american or united for not making security as tight. It seems that some people have to blame others when something bad happens to them because they're too stupid to realize that its their own fault.
I'm not the type of person to bash and don't think i am because i'm not. I just am stating an opinion in my mind which seems to be logical.
might i add that i have been pulled over by a cop while an audi zoomed past me and he pulled ME over even though i was in the other lane next saying i was racing the other car when it would have been physically impossible for me to get up to 50mph in the short distance that I was pulled over from a complete stop? (at stoplight) He then stated that he paced me and was going to let me off easy and just write me down for 9 over which i had to fight because I felt that it was ethically not right. It later came that he wanted to change it a street racing contest but long story short I ended up getting dismissed in court.
I'm not saying I don't like cops, I have family and friends that are cops. I am glad that they are there to protect us against the stupid people in our society. Please note that I am not judging person by their title but their actions. I hope i haven't pissed anyone off from this i just felt like i needed to address my own opinion. I'm a very open-minded person. Thanks again and I love this site.