Updated: Wed, Nov 14 12:00 PM EST

By Vincent Carr

Indiana Daily Student

Indiana U.

(U-WIRE) BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- My political philosophy, grounded primarily in the libertarian principles and ideals that founded this great nation, has often been criticized as anti-government and insensitive. Two weeks ago, I realized why I appreciate and value my political beliefs so much when I was given a ticket for not wearing my seat belt.
My friend John and I were going to meet another friend for dinner a couple of weekends ago. John was driving because I don't have a set of wheels in B-town. When we pulled up to the restaurant, we realized that our friend hadn't arrived yet, so we decided to go around the block.
Since we had already parked, I had my seat belt off and I was attempting to put it back on when we just so happened to drive around the corner and into a seatbelt checkpoint. What luck I have!
The police officer asked us to kindly pull over and issued me a $25 ticket (which wound up costing me $26 because they only accept money orders). Fortunately, John had his seat belt secured in place and wasn't castigated. I was surprised that the cop was so nice in comparison to most of the agist, temperamental officers I've encountered. Maybe that's because I grew up in the inner city (Philadelphia, by the way). Nevertheless, we proceeded to the restaurant and enjoyed the rest of the evening.
Seat belt laws are a clear example of nanny-state public policy programs that get implemented by the government. The government thinks that it knows the best manner in which we should live our lives -- it truly wants to be our nanny. This methodology is the force behind sodomy laws, curfew laws and helmet laws, to name a few others.
Perhaps a case for police intervention could be made when a parent drives recklessly with several small children in the car -- none of whom is wearing a seat belt. But I am an adult and fully capable of taking responsibility for my actions. I have many enjoyable rights including the right to vote and the right to free speech. I also have the right to take my own life and put my life in danger. Why? Because I am the sole owner and controller of my body.
I'm only using these strong examples to illustrate a point. I did not want to kill myself that night, but I did have the right to not wear my seat belt. Who am I endangering by not wearing my seat belt? No one but myself. There is no reason to distribute citations and fines unless I am violating someone else's person or property.
The heart of the matter is that seat belt laws are just another way for local and state politicians to increase the bust of their coffers. It is really nothing more than legalized theft. I say theft because they are taking the money of hardworking citizens and not achieving a goal. If the goal is to make people buckle-up, they're overlooking the notion of personal responsibility that should give each individual the right to choose to wear his seatbelt or not.
The sad thing is that the men and women of Congress are meant to represent their constituents -- the people. Why do they pass absurd seat belt legislation? More importantly, who's electing these dingbats into office? I lost $26, so think before you vote.