Posted by
Sgt Relic on Tuesday, January 15, 2008 6:48:00 AM
“I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.” – James Madison
Here in Virginia, “Mother of Presidents”, home to Washington, Jefferson, and Madison, the citizens of the Commonwealth are in a period of great danger, also know as, the first session of the General Assembly. The first session is a 60-day period, during which our legislators enter into a whirlwind of activity in an attempt to conduct the business of the people.
The Shad Plank, a Virginia blog, is reporting the following:
“Del. Lionell Spruill, D-Chesapeake, is proposing a bill that would ban a decorative accessory that some truck drivers have hanging below their license plates. You may have seen them out on the road -- they resemble a certain part of the male reproductive system.
Late last week a few Richmond TV stations were talking to Spruill about other legislation when he started talking about how a constituent called and asked him to put in this more ... ummm... sensitive ... bill. Spruill says he is concerned because the accessories have been getting bigger lately (we are not creative enough to make this up).
The video is priceless - wait for the point where the reporter asks "So you're opposed to testicles?"
"Yes...YES," Spruill replies.”……….. Video is here!
Bans, it seems, are rapidly becoming the national pastime. In fact, the zeal that the various levels of government demonstrate for bans is only surpassed by their thirst for tax dollars. This session will certainly prove to be no exception, bans against smoking are always proposed, texting while driving is new this year, and now banning trucks and cars with testicles. If the latter ever gets to SCOTUS you could put this one on Pay-Per-View!
This is “Nannyism” at it’s most hysterical, notice that in the video Del. Spruill emphasizes the safety issue of distraction of motorists, but ultimately it all comes down to the manner in which the driver is operating their vehicle. Do we not already have ordinances covering Reckless Driving, and Operating a vehicle in an unsafe manner? Not enough, we apparently need these diligent legislators to devise laws to cover every possible action that can be undertaken by a citizen and codify it into law.
“I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.” – Thomas Jefferson
Americans really need to step back and stop shouting “There ought to be a law” every time they don’t happen to like something. You have been warned! Sarge hates broccoli!