But you see, it's not the state that's putting up the cameras - we've got control of them!
But a handful of power-mad liberals from the U. of North Texas run the city council here, and think they can fix anytyhing with a new law or two -- shoot, you'd fit right in!
Of course. But, the point was and still is -- is it really so difficult? -- you can't put them where you want to (even if you wanted to). With the right process and the right oversight, these cameras could do some good. But, your daddy in Austin won't let you do it. They hold all your cards.
But a handful of power-mad liberals from the U. of North Texas run the city council here,
So what? Vote them out or, if it's really so bad, leave them and their sorry POS town.
and think they can fix anytyhing with a new law or two
A new law or two? Who needs a new law? The real issue here is nothing more than enforcing that basic, fundamental law regarding a red traffic signal. Obey it, no problem. Run it, pay a fine. Is that so counter to your convictions? Are you one of those all-laws-are-bad-laws libertarians? (I knew one in college; he honestly believed there should be no traffic laws.)
shoot, you'd fit right in!
Hardly. But, if it makes you feel better to say that than to debate the real issue, go for it. I couldn't care less.
Coincidentally, cameras showed up at some busy, under-construction intersections right here in my town a few months ago. (Oddly, they were all aimed at approaching traffic; so, they couldn't be 'red-light' cameras, could they?) I called Traffic Engineering to find out why. They said they're there to help traffic flow during the construction, and would be monitored afterward to adjust traffic signal cycles.
A few weeks after the construction was done at each intersection, the cameras disappeared. If they hadn't, I'd be back on the phone or at a council meeting to find out what's going on.
I like to take action, rather than just sit on my arse and b*tch about things. I sure as hell wouldn't sit around and live my life subject to the whims of a bunch of liberal college pukes if I didn't absolutely have to. Surely there are some conservative jurisdictions in TX where they'd welcome you with open arms.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go time some yellow lights (just in case).
See you around. Have a good weekend.