THE RIGHT TO DRIVE
Essential to Our Freedom
We tend to take for granted the freedom that driving gives us. But more recently, our rights are in the process of being eliminated. Though the recent defeat of Chevron deference puts in jeopardy the mandate that we must all buy electric cars, one has to wonder what the Left will do instead to mandate and limit our choices. There are many reasons NOT to have an EV; not the least of which is the cost. But battery replacement, charging issues and range limitations in cold climates are other important factors. If you care about the environment, you don’t want to support the mining of rare earth minerals which are needed to make the batteries, among other things.
Driverless Vehicles
One might think, at first blush, that the idea of auto automation would be a great thing. After all, no one really enjoys being stuck in traffic, managing the stop-and-go challenge, while avoiding the many poor drivers frantically changing lanes to gain a nanosecond. And, we’ve gotten somewhat used to automation in our vehicles. But there’s a cost.
Current computerization has the potential to take away your freedom to drive. Movies have played out the idea of remotely turning off your car, stranding you. But the reality is there. A fully automated car will be able to be seized simply by turning it off. No need to repossess it or tow it. They don’t exist yet, but they will, even given the legal liability issues.
The Downside
Government agencies, aka the “administrative state,” talks up the value of driverless cars. They cite safety, which appeals to many. The benefit of relaxing and even doing work while your car drives you attracts many. Others think that there might be environmental benefits as well. But this isn’t the reason the Left is in love with the concept. In fact, just like the CCP, they crave the ability to determine what rights you have, on the fly.
Control. Xi and the CCP have establish a social credit system, whereby your “score” determines every aspect of your life and your right to exist. You can’t move or work where you want. They can (and did) nail your door shut in times of crisis, leaving you to die. They certainly control your money, and next, they want to control transportation. Right now, many who want to leave China find they can’t. Freedom of movement is essential.
The Left seeks to control you. Whatever they turn over to the State to manage cuts down the freedoms that were so hard-won in the Revolution. Obamacare limited choice – no, you can’t keep the doctors, insurance plan and hospitals you liked. If a storm creates a puddle on your land, you may find new restrictions limit your use of the new “wetland.” The BS goes on and on, mostly mediated by the “administrative state,” not Congress. This was never the intent of our Constitution.
While many of us hated the idea of being forced into buying EVs, the risk (and cost) of buying cars you can no longer drive is far greater. What if instead of simply turning the car off, the State makes the car drive somewhere you don’t want to go, locking the doors on you. What if you can’t even get into the car, as they change the locks? For all the stated benefits, this is the real reason this technology is looked on favorably by the Left. (Same with AI, which could eliminate many jobs, forcing people to depend on the State to live, but that’s another subject).
Who Is Looking Out for You?
At FreedomFest this year, I met Jay Beeber, executive director of the National Motorists Association. Never heard of it? Nor had I, but when you check out the link, you may find a far more valuable resource than AAA for your driving needs. They also work hard to preserve our driving rights, lobbying to eliminate restrictions on our freedom to drive.
Here is a quote from their website:
“Motorists are one of the largest special interest groups in the world. The number of licensed drivers in the United States and Canada – over 250 million – dwarfs the population of most countries.
Drivers’ rights don’t just occur naturally. To protect the driving public from excessive tolls, fees, and fines and to ensure that motorists retain the due process rights afforded all citizens, it takes an organization dedicated to the task. That organization is, and has been for the past 38 years, the National Motorists Association (NMA).”
Check it out and join! And be aware of the risks we take by automating. We’ve seen how the government can control our social media. We know the IRS is nosing its way into our private business. Lose your ability to travel and you WILL feel less free. Let’s stand up and stop the government overreach.
