Once again it looks like Alberta has missed the boat. Earlier this week it looks like the Stelmach government will once again delay (or kill) MLA Art Johnston's distracted driving bill. Art is my MLA and I know how hard he has worked on this bill. As a former police officer he truly believes that it will save lives. In the Herald article Monday, I sensed his frustration and kudos for him for speaking his mind about his disappointment. This bill has been in the works forever and keeps getting pushed into "committee" so the old boys can delay it. With friends like these.....
Trying to read between the lines, I am at a loss as to why the government would be so opposed to it. I know that some use the argument about "government interference in our personal lives", but we are talking about texting/calling while driving here people! I like to speed sometimes also, but that damn government and all their rules and such just will not let me. The Premier has a long list of "reasons" about enforcement and such, but Don Braid shot holes through that in his article today.
So what is the real reason for the government push-back? I think its quite obvious.... its the rural folk. The rural Albertan's have been cursing this bill since its inception. They don't like to be told "what to do" and I think that the PC party is scared of pissing them off and losing their valuable votes. To me, I am at a loss as to why a small group of people can dictate the social, legal and financial policy of the rest of the province. Rural issues matter, but not at the expense of the safety of the rest of Albertans. God forbid some Andy Griffith look-a-like pull over Bubba for talking on the ol' CB while driving.
What's next for my rural-run government? A cabinet full of Rural MLA's that are sympathetic to needs of Calgary/Edmonton? Perhaps they will push some sort of Royalty Review now that the rural hotels are empty, save for the drunks who sit at the stools all day and talk about the good ol days of Strom and Manning. Perhaps they will work on a plan to get their budget balanced and allow MLA's to speak their minds and allow good bills to pass in this province.
As I stated, I think the Government is scared of alienating the rural vote. Perhaps they should consider alienating urban voters and supporters that are hanging on by a thread.
I wish. 10-4 Good Buddy!
Shane
This is a Tory blog. I don't believe Ed Stelmach - he has lied before and he's lying now. Only the Wildrose Alliance can be trusted to preserve individual freedom including stopping stupid cell phone driving bans. Wildrose - your choice for change.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anon 11:12am. this is not a "tory" blog...this is my personal blog. Typical WAP response though. I would hide my identity also. :)
ReplyDeleteAlberta already has laws against distracted driving. This is just duplicity by a stale Tory government.
ReplyDelete...and this isn't a tory site? I guess it just really, REALLY looks like one.
Hey Leigh...how goes the battle! Anyone that reads this KNOWS that I am a TORY supporter, but I think I have been fair to critize them also. Especially lately when deserved. I just took anons comment in error. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteShane
This is just postponing the inevitable encroachment of tories on to our rights as drivers. Only the Wildrose Alliance can be trusted to protect us.
ReplyDeleteSorry "anonymous" but your "right" to be distracted while driving interferes with everyone's safety. I just hope it's not you or one of your family members who gets hit by someone talking on their cell phone or texting while driving.
ReplyDeleteDrive around Edmonton and it won't be long before you see people blowing red lights, changing lanes without realizing it, nearly running over pedestrians, etc, all because of their stupid cell phone.
We wouldn't have to even consider laws like this if people took responsibility for their actions and drove according to the law: without distractions.
I hope that your precious Wildrose Party reminds its voters that with rights and freedoms come responsibilities.
I am also in favour of seatbelt and helmet laws. You see, your "freedom" to drive without a seatbelt or ride without a helmet will likely eventually cost taxpayers. Perhaps you should sign a waiver that you can preserve your freedoms as you put it, provided you're willing to pay directly out of your pocket for any medical costs you might incur as a result of your actions.
I've known a number of people who've lost their lives in survivable accidents because they weren't wearing their seatbelts. There are more than just monetary costs involved for the families left behind in these tragedies.
How many times have we heard in the news about lives being lost on ATVs and snowmobiles because people aren't wearing helmets? It happened just this weekend to a 5 year old girl and her dad is in serious condition too.
We're also coming to realize how dangerous it is to use a cell phone while driving. So "anonymous" I'm sorry if you don't like it, but that's the way things are going.
These are common sense laws for those who don't seem to possess it.