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From: chip@vaxwaller.UUCP (Chip Kozy)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: 65MPH
Message-ID: <412@vaxwaller.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 1-Mar-86 13:23:06 EST
Article-I.D.: vaxwalle.412
Posted: Sat Mar  1 13:23:06 1986
Date-Received: Fri, 7-Mar-86 08:29:31 EST
References: <594@drutx.UUCP>
Organization: Varian, Walnut Creek, CA
Lines: 30

> 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



	First of all, the law is not "mandated" by the Feds.  They just
simply said "If you guys don't go along with the 55mph limit, we will
not give you any money for your roads.".  As you can see, that's not
a mandate, it's pure blackmail.  The states are REQUIRED to show a certain
percentage of adherance to the law by some formula or other.  If this
percentage falls below the preset point, funds can be withheld.  The
major concern in the fight to get the "double nickle" raised is if the
Feds will allow it, and not see it as justification to stop funding the
state.  IF the Feds will go along with it, then, and ONLY then, will the
limit be raised.  The 55 law was an "economic" (read: politically popular)
law at the time it was passed.  Only when it becomes politically popular
again will it be changed.  

	The moral of this story is don't blame the local constabulary
for enforcing this fiasco.  They're stuck with it, and, at least for
the time being, so are we.  Want it changed??  Deluge your appropriate
politicians with mail.  Attend meetings and speak up.  Don't just
sit in front of your terminal and flame on and on.  DO SOMETHING!!!

					Happiness;
					Chip