Monday, October 29, 2012

An Alternative Solution for Highland's Revenue Problem that Increases Freedom by TJ Abbott

Here’s a great tongue in cheek solution (at least I think it is:) to Highland’s revenue problems that could even be “better” than eliminating the common day of rest which has always been part of Highland but is now viewed by some as limiting our freedom. Thank you TJ for this brilliant proposal.

Rather than discussing opening of businesses on Sundays in Highland (a relatively unimportant topic), I think we should take a serious look at changing the local speed limit laws. Serious consideration should be afforded to a proposal that Highland remove ALL speed limits.  This is not really an issue about anything other than "freedom" and "choice". Not only would Highland citizens have the "choice" to travel at any desired speed, but this would also bring more “freedom” because of the increased revenue to Highland.

A benefit to the freedom associated with no speed limitsThere are many ancillary benefits to consider—travel times, reduction of police force, reduction in signage etc.  But do not overlook the much larger benefit. This novel concept will bring large amounts of revenue to Highland.  People will come from all around the country to see how fast they can race through our neighborhoods. There will be all kinds of formal and informal racing. There will be all kinds of cars too. These races and exhibitions will bring crowds to Highland. The crowds will need food and gas and other goods and entertainment. To capitalize even more, Highland could open a number of specialty car shops to help people get the most out of their vehicles.

We can anticipate that Highland will become the center of attraction in all of Utah!  Imagine the money that will flow in from branding, productization and even reality TV shows.  Our success will convince surrounding communities to FINALLY legalize gambling so that we can enjoy even more revenues that have so benefited other states.  The potential revenue is much more than $400k annually.  Initial estimates are in the millions of dollars. This is BEFORE giving consideration to the revenue from potential big sponsors ... like Wal-Mart or Smith’s.

The money is simply too good for Highland to turn away. We need all the money we can get. This would solve Highland’s debt problems. This would eliminate any need for property taxes. Our children would receive the best education. More money is always better. There is really NO downside here. 

Of course, there may be a few people ... probably only a couple really, who like their roads safe and quiet. They will try to oppose these few particular points of the laws being altered, but change is necessary in a growing community. They may even try to raise the argument of the "danger" associated with removing such a law. They may try to say that the laws are there for our benefit and are based on sound judgment. But the danger they cite will be somewhat abstract. If they try to cite as evidence some obscure religious beliefs or predictions from an esteemed leader, we will know that they of frenzied minds and are religious zealots.

We should be free to choose! No matter what argument is given, we know, we all know, that if there will be any harm it will be to the people who "choose" to drive fast. If someone thinks it is dangerous, we will persuade them to simply drive slowly, or don't drive at all. It is their choice after all. Whether one chooses to drive fast and another chooses to drive slowly will not impact anyone else and to say otherwise will inhibit "choice" and "freedom".

By eliminating the speed limit laws, Highland will become a shining example, not only to the state and surrounding communities, but also to our children! By voting to change this law, we will show them what "choice" and "freedom" are all about. We will also reinforce in them the importance of making decisions based solely on the amount of money that can be earned. In this way, they can enter adulthood understanding what is truly important.

* Note, to see a list of all posts in my site on the Sunday Opening issue click here.

6 comments:

  1. With Halloween being just days away TJ Abbott provides us the perfect straw man. TJ, nobody that I know is suggesting that we do away with speed limits on PUBLIC roadways. If, however you are concerned about speed limits on PRIVATE PROPERTY, someone needs to hustle out to Wendover and get the Highway Patrol to start writing speeding tickets on the Bonneville Speedway as we are missing out on a lot of revenue there. PS - don't let this idea spread to North Carolina . Can you imagine NASCAR events with a speed limit of 75 mph ?

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  2. Good observation Mike. However, it is not such a straw man as the restriction applies only to areas of the city designated as commercial zones. These areas do benefit from some public assistance in the form of infrastructure and/or services. Additionally, some of those arguing for less government control (not you) also advocate strongly for no speed limits. City government do have an obligation to set standards via ordinances for the safety and well being (as determined by residents) of the community. This is a role recognized by the state in the form of state codes and such regulation can apply to both public and private property.

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  3. The "straw man" is TJs silly rant - not the restriction itself. I believe in speed limits - and I don't personally know anyone that doesn't.

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  4. I actually know several people that oppose speed limits as well as zoning restrictions of any kind who argue for Prop 6. Perhaps that is an indication of the quality of my associations:) I've been called immoral, a tyrant, a religious bully, a collectivist ... to name a few. When I've pointed them to founders who wrote and proposed Blue Laws the following quote is representative of their response. "I don't look to the founders or even Joseph Smith for models of good government. They did many good things, but many bad things -- we should emulate their positive traits and reject their mistakes." There is principled opposition (like yourself) to Blue Laws but a some of the opposition falls into the above category.

    For me TJ's story was brilliant as the "silly" rant highlights a number of arguments I personally have heard from some proponents of eliminating the Sunday restriction. I encourage everyone to read the other posts on this topic for hard information on the topic.

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  5. Sounds like so many arguments I have heard for removing Sunday closure laws. Remove Sunday closure, remove speed limits, they both have their impacts on a community as we know it.

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