That means that through at least spring 2010, Wisconsin will remain the only state in the nation where people caught driving drunk for the first time are treated just like speeders: They get a ticket and pay a fine.
Emphasis mine. For the sweet zombie Jesus' sake. I love my state, and am a big proponent of the "drinking culture." But really, how many people need to get t-boned and die because some asshole had "a few to many."
As far as state politics is concerned, this is what I am concerned with. There are people here who have more than 5, sometimes over 10, drunk driving arrests or tickets, whatever you want to call it. Yet they can still drive. They are still able to drive to a tavern, get shit-faced, and drive home. When the cops pull them over, they take the tests, and are booked. They go to trial, and they plea out so they spend minimal time in jail. They are right back out there...getting hammered and driving.
What is wrong with this picture? Is it so difficult to understand? Where is the flaw in the logic? Or am I wrong in thinking this way? I have a difficult time driving after 1-3 beers, ethically and physically. Not to mention that fact that I fear other drivers on the road more than I fear my driving ability. Afterall, I am a good wheelman.
2 comments:
while this is very noble of you, your anger may be a bit misplaced. i'm not sure changing the law for first time offenders to, say, second time offenders (which is mandatory jail time of a minimum of 5 days - or something like that) will effect change. someone who has been arrested 5 or 10 times obviously isn't going to be swayed by a harsher penalty right out of the gate. because they aren't swayed now. it's not the law that's the issue, it's the person. restraining orders do nothing to dissuade an abusive partner from coming back at you if that's really what they want to do. felons still shoot people with guns that they're not legally allowed to have. child abusers still find children even while registered with the state. my point is this: people need to take responsibility for their actions and do the right thing. if we are to police everything, then we will need a lot more officers. we'll need to give up some liberties so we can be checked and double checked at any time to make sure we're doing the right thing. we can't do that. were too busy funding a war that's not ours and we can't win. and nobody's willing to give up rights to make sure people are doing what they should be. if your rights end when they infringe upon the rights of others and you made it home safe, did you bother anyone else? punishments need to fit the crime. the question isn't how many people need to get t-boned before the laws change, the question is how many people need to get t-boned before people change.
and some dumb ass people - you just can't teach.
and with all that said, i bet i could debate your side just as easily. or perhaps i should have just replied on my blog...
Why can't people go to their basements, turn off all the lights and curl up naked in the corner and drink a bottle of whiskey like I do?
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