Just a few days ago we discussed how more frustrated drivers have been finding unique ways to defeat Big Brother's speed and traffic cameras -- even Santa's little helpers.
Well guess what? Big Brother is already fighting back in Maryland.
The state Senate approved a bill this week that would allow speed cameras to be placed in highway work zones and school zones. In other words, pretty much anywhere in the state where someone can drive a car.
Those fighting to get Big Brother out of their lives are not pleased, as the Examiner reported:
Opponents of the bill said cameras could be placed within a half-mile of a school, effectively allowing local governments to place them almost anywhere. They added that the cameras could be unfairly used as a “cash cow” for cash-strapped governments to boost revenues.
“If you’re for this, you’re for speed cameras everywhere and it’s not good public policy,” said Sen. Alex Mooney, R-Frederick.
But proponents see it another way.
“Do you care about our children? It’s that simple,” said Sen. James Robey, D-Howard County.
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Yes, we all believe that children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.
But many also believe that future is becoming a place where cameras will watch over you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, just waiting for you to make one false move and then ... WHAM! You're thrown in jail and forced to watch every episode of Big Brother Season 8 over and over and over again. The horror!
OK, maybe that's way into the future. But if the new Maryland bill passes now, the punishment won't be quite as harsh, according to the Washington Post:
Under the bill moved forward by the Senate, cameras could be used to catch vehicles going at least 12 miles over the speed limit and take pictures of their license plates. Vehicle owners would be sent a $40 ticket in the mail.
Sure, just $40 now. But while local governments fill their coffers to the brim with cam money, drivers' anxiety levels will rise even faster. And really, do we need any more anxiety in today's society?
