Posted on 05/21/2008 9:00:18 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
SACRAMENTO -- Dick Messer likes driving around Los Angeles with Peaches, his Pomeranian, in his lap and thinks it's ridiculous that a proposal in the Capitol would make him an outlaw for doing so.
The proposal, which would prohibit drivers from carrying "live animals" on their laps behind the wheel, is one of several that would regulate who can drive, when, where and how.
Bills regulating cars and drivers
"It's just nuts, the stuff legislators come up with instead of dealing with the real problems facing the state: crime, the economy, the . . . budget deficit," said Messer, director of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
One lawmaker wants to restrict driving by truants and high school dropouts. Another would regulate where global positioning system devices can be installed. Another wants a new state committee to study the danger that silent-running electric cars pose to blind pedestrians.
These ideas follow new laws banning computer and cellphone use by teenagers while driving, restricting adult drivers to hands-free cellphones, and barring smoking in cars when minors are present. ...
"They want to button down our mobility," said Messer, 67, who understands the lure and lore of the auto. ...
"They want to force you into public transportation," he said. "The problem is, we don't have any."
--snip--
"We're a state that gets around by car. We are a car culture," said Huff, who is a member of the Assembly Transportation Committee. "Couple that with legislators who think government is the answer to everything, and you end up with the perfect storm."
Assemblyman Bill Maze (R-Visalia) said he introduced the bill against lap dogs after a car passed him with two large canines hanging out a window and a third in the driver's lap.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
Yes, indeed, Ghost. And it’s starting to get ridiculous. It’s time for everyone to stop telling everyone what they can and cannot do (within reason, of course). Our precious lives and freedoms are being eroded steadily.
I don't have a laptop, lap dog or lap cat so why should I care about these nanny laws? /EXTREME SARCASM OFF
Those fools out there deserve every ban their elitist masters can think of.
My neighbor's daughter whom I have met several times when she has come to visit her parents lives in San Diego. Due to all the help I've given to her elderly dad and mom over the last couple years (mom just died this past December) she keeps inviting me out there and has even offered to pay the airfaire.
No offense to California FReepers but I just can't bring myself to visit that weirdo state........I smoke, I drink, I abhore homosexuality and I really enjoy having a good time. I don't think I could enjoy myself out there............
I’ve always had a dog between my legs and the steering wheel, and it’s never been a problem.
Rebranded "Republicans."
My oldest Sister lives in San Francisco. I’ve visited her twice through the years-and you’re 100% right. The weather/countryside/nature part is exquisite. But-if you go anywhere with people around-you feel uncomfortable. Everyone knows automatically you’re from out of state/a tourista, since you’re pasty-white compared to them, and they stare at you. I even had some young pubks mock me because I had the audacity to walk on the beach by the ocean at night. You can’t enjoy the beauty, as the populace won’t let you. And woe unto you if you light up a smoke, unless your name’s Travolta or Kidman or Nicholson.
Good one.
“This shouldn’t have to be a law....common sense should do!’
But when common sense fails there will be laws. Driving with dogs loose in a car is stupid. I don’t care if this relative or that did it. It is stupid.
Enjoying a nice lunch in a lonely corner of a restaurant yesterday and some idiot walks all the way over to look at the water and lights a stupid cigarette. No wonder we have to have laws because the addicts refuse to be considerate.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.