Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 (Denver Mods 7/26/84) 6/24/83; site drutx.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!cbosgd!ihnp4!mhuxn!mhuxr!mhuxt!houxm!mtuxo!drutx!pagiven From: pagiven@drutx.UUCP (GivenP) Newsgroups: net.auto Subject: Re: 65MPH Message-ID: <594@drutx.UUCP> Date: Mon, 17-Feb-86 15:09:12 EST Article-I.D.: drutx.594 Posted: Mon Feb 17 15:09:12 1986 Date-Received: Tue, 18-Feb-86 04:14:08 EST Organization: AT&T Information Systems Laboratories, Denver Lines: 38 - I have been monitoring this newsgroup for some time now, and have observed some good arguments and thoughtful insights regarding the 55 MPH speed limit issue: some think it too low, others too high, yet others, just about right. Some argue there should be no speed limit, and some that different roads and conditions should be fac- tors considered for adjusting the limit. There are persuasive and cogent arguments on all sides. There is one issue, however, that I have not seen discussed here, or more generally, in any of the popular media. And that is a State's rights issue. The Federal government has been granted cer- tain powers by the Consitution of the United States and ALL other powers are resevered for the several States. Although I confess complete ignorance of Constitutional law, I submit to you, gentle reader, that adjusting automobile speed limits is not one of those special powers granted to our central government. The setting of speed limits, if any, is, I believe, a proper ques- tion for the consideration of State governments. The State, may or may not in its wisdom, cede this power to County or local govern- ment. The State may even use a national paradigm for speed limits, as in criminal justice, if it so chooses. It seems to me that the States acquiesce because catching speeders represents a good revenue source for the State (the irresistible temptation for some to exceed 55 MPH on roads clearly designed for faster travel, creates a class of violators from which the police can easily cull the unwary) without having to answer to the people directly; after all, it IS a Federally mandated law! I personally cannot seriously believe that there is any one, universal, good and proper speed limit for everywhere in the United States. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Paul Given {ihnp4, houxe, stcvax!ihnp4}!drutx!pagiven AT&T Information Systems Laboratories 11900 N. Pecos, Rm 1B04, Denver 80234 (303)-538-4058 -----------------------------------------------------------------