If you vote for an official who feels this way...

[HankD]

...I question your intelligence.



http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/01/25/ny-sen-wants-ban-on-chatting-while-crossing-street/

OK...support this claim above? I'll say it now: You lack the intelligence to vote. Do us all a favor and sit out. You and your voting will endanger our republic.

Senator Karl Kruger (bet you can't GUESS the party), a New York lawmaker, wants to ban walking and talking on phones. The quote above shows his monumental stupidity, and his aversion to all things related to individual liberty.

-Eating chips? That's bad for you. There ought to be a law.
-Getting 5 hours of sleep per night? That's bad for you. There ought to be a law.
-Didn't send your mom a birthday card? That's bad for you. There ought to be a law.

When does it stop? At what point do we say, "Hey, you fascist...quit stealing freedoms!"

This guy ought to be sent to China, with insults to their leadership tattooed to his forehead. THEN he might get the idea of "Freedom."

Although, the mental midget that he is, I doubt it...

Somewhere in the past of my youth I took College Sociology where I read a theory that proposed the idea that the preliminary advent of a socialist government was over-population.

As population increases more and more rights of the people need to be dealt with. Also, as the population shifts to cities and service oriented occupations socialism is the natural outcome.

I guess we should add the loss of "common sense" as well.

Not that I agree we should evolve into a socialist government where we are guided and regulated day by day/hour by hour by Uncle.

It seems with an increase of population common sense diminishes and we don't notice it until we have lost a great deal of freedom (for our own protection we are told).

IMO, the real problem is how to deal with the preservation of common sense.

Like PAY ATTENTION to what you are doing and the danger thereof.

HankD

 

[glfredrick]

Good point, and it seems that "common sense" is anything but these days.

In part, we should understand that underlying philosophies have had their impact on the way we see even things like common sense. For instance, Jean-Jacques Rousseau (circa AD 1700s) introduced to the world the "cult of personality."

For about 2 centuries, this philosophy was mostly only apprehended by kings and their courts (those with the free time and ability to accomplish a lifestyle akin to that promulgated by Rousseau) but over time, his teaching entered academia and has become entrenched into the worldview of the typical American citizen.

This philosophy has been pressed forward even more by social media, youtube, etc., all of which make it very easy to have a moment of fame -- but typically for doing something that wins Darwin Awards instead of exemplifying good "common sense."

What was once "common" because it was, in large part required for day-to-day survival, is now anything but common. People no longer know how to produce their own food, build or repair everyday things, procure safe water, etc., but instead, they can navigate the web, play video games that create virtual life instead of real life, and think about life and the world in ways that would have been alien to almost anyone alive before 1980.

 

[HankD]

Good point, and it seems that "common sense" is anything but these days.

In part, we should understand that underlying philosophies have had their impact on the way we see even things like common sense. For instance, Jean-Jacques Rousseau (circa AD 1700s) introduced to the world the "cult of personality."

For about 2 centuries, this philosophy was mostly only apprehended by kings and their courts (those with the free time and ability to accomplish a lifestyle akin to that promulgated by Rousseau) but over time, his teaching entered academia and has become entrenched into the worldview of the typical American citizen.

This philosophy has been pressed forward even more by social media, youtube, etc., all of which make it very easy to have a moment of fame -- but typically for doing something that wins Darwin Awards instead of exemplifying good "common sense."

What was once "common" because it was, in large part required for day-to-day survival, is now anything but common. People no longer know how to produce their own food, build or repair everyday things, procure safe water, etc., but instead, they can navigate the web, play video games that create virtual life instead of real life, and think about life and the world in ways that would have been alien to almost anyone alive before 1980.

Right, even down to the mundane basics.

At my most recent contractor project for one of the local government agencies, I found a large sign in the bathroom concerning - Why and the instructions For - the washing of hands after the use of the restroom.

HankD

 

[glfredrick]

That's why we have 20 page operational manuals for can openers these days... They might be fun to play with in the bathtub, but once they're plugged in, they can open more than cans... :laugh:

 

[Salty]

... There are streets everywhere and you basically have to sit down in order to avoid crossing a street. This means that those people who are walking from place to place (which is really the best way to get around) can't even make a phone call. ...

It is dangerous to talk on the phone while crossing the street - period. for 100 years, New Yorkers got along without a cell phone- if you must talk - then sit down.
Remember, if a pedestrian is hit, then the fire dept and police dept must be alerted - and that is your tax dollars. In addition - it could very well tie up traffic as the street may be required to be blocked off. (and you just may be in a rush)
What would be the answer if a fire truck on the way to a fire hit a jogger while he was listening to his music.

Jay walking in NYC is illegal (unlike the rest of NY State). The pedestrian must take some responsibility for his own safety. Even here in the Salt City, I see people talking and walking (illegally) on their phones - very dangerous situation - and Syracuse has no where near has the traffic as the "City"

I am one who opposes excessive laws - but this is one I support - in the name of Safety - especially for the driver.

 

[HankD]

Jay walking in NYC is illegal (unlike the rest of NY State). The pedestrian must take some responsibility for his own safety. Even here in the Salt City, I see people talking and walking (illegally) on their phones - very dangerous situation - and Syracuse has no where near has the traffic as the "City"

I am one who opposes excessive laws - but this is one I support - in the name of Safety - especially for the driver.

Hmm, just curious, where is the line drawn Salty?

What is the difference in talking on a cell phone while walking and talking to a companion at your side while walking? Should that be illegal?

Why or why not.

Thanks
HankD

 

[rbell]

Salty, my issue is more with this man's reasoning than the law itsefl. Liberals love to hit up on a mantra like the OP. They then justify every freedom grab they attempt with that mantra.


IMHO, we must put a stop to the philosophy behind stupid laws...just as much as the stupid laws themselves (not arguing that this one is...I think you know what I mean here).