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I've gathered that your notion of a "pro-drunk drving (sic) enthusiast" is anyone who gets behind the wheel with any degree of alcohol in his system. I suppose that includes me, although I would disagree with both the assessment and the definition.

You mention probable cause and that is what I would like to respond to. As a musician, your scenario (leaving a bar, with a tail-light out) is always problematic. As a matter of course, I do a light check and a walk-around of my vehicle before taking off after a gig for just that reason.

I can't tell you how many times I have been stopped for no other reason than the fact that I was spotted leaving a bar at 2AM (or thereabouts). No driving infraction, no vehicle defects, just guilt by association. (well, and the stench of 2nd hand cigarette smoke and the red eyes that go with it ;'}

So you take it into account that you're dealing with a dick who can't be bothered to actually seek out crime. You answer his questions and show him your gear in an effort to convince him that you were just working. After a half-hour of checks by these "Guardians Against Crime" they let you go because their fishing expedition turned up nothing. They growl something about "watch yourself!" and speed off in search of a place where they can catch a few winks. Oh well, it's a living...;'}

Now your scenario becomes a potential nightmare where these same bozos can blood you as a part of their game. That's swell...until they blood you.

This is a "slippery slope" and no one is immune!

I've gathered that your notion of a "pro-drunk drving (sic) enthusiast" is anyone who gets behind the wheel with any degree of alcohol in his system.

Actuallly my definition of a pro-drunk driving enthusiast is anyone who thinks .08 is too low. Or one who thinks the laws against DWI are too harsh. Or that more people are killed due to murderous mop buckets (see #75) than DWI fatalities.

A pro drunk driving enthusiast (Of which many FReepers are apart of) is one who denies the real and serious problems of DWI. They feel it is their right to have a few drinks, then drive anywhere they want to.

Lets look at your predicament. You - of all people - see on a daily basis the reasons why checkpoints are so necessary.

What a depressing job you must have! While I assume you don't drink and drive, I will state that you are part of the problem. That you engage in activities that enable drunks to stagger out to their cars. Engage in activities that mandate more police checkpoints as our nation tries to curtail the deaths and destruction on our highways.

You get hassled by these checkpoints? Well, sir; you are partly to blame.