From: utzoo!decvax!harpo!ihnp4!ihldt!ll1!sb1!mb2b!uofm-cv!paul
Newsgroups: net.auto,net.politics
Title: Crack down on the drunks
Article-I.D.: uofm-cv.114
Posted: Wed Dec 15 15:10:01 1982
Received: Fri Dec 17 08:33:59 1982

	The big push against drunk drivers I see as a basic assault on
	personal freedom.  If people invested that much time reforming the 
	the criminal justice system with regard to murderers and rapists, we
	would all be better off.

	1.  Proposed penalties against drunk drivers are way out of line.
	Unusual punishment sort of thing.

	2.  Infringement of trade for tavern/restaurant owners.

	3.  Harrassment of drivers.

	4.  There are manslaughter laws, and the agrieved party has recourse
	to civil action.

	The penalties are too tough on first time offenders, and I think
	driving is a right, and not a privilege.  It's a different story with
	18 time offenders,  but a few cases get sensationalized.  

	The business about special license plates, etc. is ridiculous.  Let's
	just slap on those yellow stars while we are at it.

	Waiting for the flames, I remain, etc.

	PS	When I was 16, on a learner's permit, a drunk smacked into me.
	No fatalities, but the car was totaled, my dad and myself were hurt,
	etc.  Loss of car for traveling salesman, etc.

						Paul Killey
						University of Michigan
						Ann Arbor