Never Ending Nanny State

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Let me begin this post by saying that I firmly believe there is a place for laws in our civil society.  However, the government has a tendency to overdo it when it comes to creating new laws.  Legislators seem to think that they have to right a new law for every conceivable possibility out there in the world.  Even if existing laws to cover a wrong, they have to create new laws to specifically call out certain behaviors.

One of my favorite laws that I like to rail against are the laws against using a cell phone while driving.  It is not that I don't believe that some drivers have their driving skills impaired while talking on the phone.  I see it every day when I pass drivers that are going 10 mph under the speed limit with no traffic around.  It is the signalling out of cell phone usage when there are other forms of distracted driving just as likely to cause an accident.  Besides, existing laws would have punished a driver causing an accident due to cell phone use if it caused the accident.

My state, Maryland, looks like they are going to soon be enacting another law that would allow police to issue a citation to certain motorists.  The proposed new law has already passed the state Senate.  Given that I live in one of the bluest states in the country, I would not be surprised to see the law pass.  The new law would prohibit the use of a legal substance in an automobile under certain circumstances.  It would be illegal to smoke cigarettes in the car if there was a child 8 years of age or less in the vehicle.

Personally, I do not smoke.  I think it is a vile habit, and I do not want to be around anybody while they are smoking.  I also think it is stupid and reprehensible for anybody to smoke in an enclosed vehicle with a kid in the car.  I remember my wife and I walking down the boardwalk in Ocean City while my wife's sister pushed a stroller with our nephew in it while smoking.  The burning cigarette was in her hand, inches away from his face as we strolled down the boardwalk.  Stupid, yes, criminal, I don't think so.

There is no doubt that second hand smoke is a potential health hazard.  I guess my biggest concern is where does it end?  First, a ban on smoking in your car.  Next, a ban on smoking in your own home.  Then, does it end with smoking?  With all of the emphasis on the diet police, will the next thing be to write you a ticket if you take your kid to a fast food restaurant? 

Related articles

• Senate Gives Initial OK To Vehicle Smoking Ban (baltimore.cbslocal.com)
• Maryland Senate Debate On Ban From Smoking In Vehicles Continues (washington.cbslocal.com)
• Smoking ban on private property? (fellowshipofminds.wordpress.com)
• Why Cell Phones Will Never Be Banned In Cars (usnews.com)