Laws are here to protect us.

I agree with your analysis "Up and Down," regarding Texans and their constant fight to keep personal freedoms. It is like none I have ever seen before and you are right, in Austin its worse. Imagine if "Americans" in the mid 1700's had gotten away with everything they wanted then, we probably wouldn't have a government like the one we have today. Early settlers wanted want they wanted and when they wanted it, even to their demise or death. I feel like that attitude is resurfacing again and when is enough? How far must the envelope be pushed?

I believe your statement; “we can't regulate stupid" hits the nail on the head. Texting while driving is just stupid. I cannot count the number of times I have had a car swerve into my lane only to look over and see a phone in their hand as they wave an "oops" hand at you. Or better yet, when you honk to get their attention, in hopes that they won't hit you, they flip you the bird as if you've done something wrong. I just want to say "just saved your life, stupid." California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York already have the Hands Free Cell Phone law, which if caught will cost you $50, and I 100% agree with it here in Texas.

As far as the seatbelt law, I know several people who have been pulled over for no other reason. It's funny and not funny at the same time. My theory is your life is worth the 3 seconds it takes to put it on, or at least the $100 you just spent for being stupid. In Florida the law states that you cannot be pulled over for a seatbelt violation alone, but if you are pulled over for something else and are not wearing it (by the time the officer walks to your car window) that's an added $100 fine. I truly believe that laws are made with the intent to serve and protect and should not be tampered with, especially when the statistics show a significantly decreased number of death or injury after they are in place.