...When All is Said and Dunn

The other night for some bizarre reason, instead of watching David Letterman as usual, I found myself watching Ted Koppel on Nightline instead. Oh yeah, now I remember, it might be because Channel 2 comes in so crappy on our cable system. But that’s an article for another day. Anyway, I like to end my days on a happy note instead of watching some debate on one of the world’s woes. And while Koppel’s hair is always good for a chuckle or two, his show is not what I would call a laugh riot.

On this particular evening, the topic of discussion was the use of red light traffic cameras. The combatants for the show were House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Texas) and San Diego Police Chief David Bejarano. They were there to debate that insidious government plot to stop people from running stoplights, the Red Light Traffic Camera.

Armey, in his transparent attempts to create a problem where there isn’t one, claims that these cameras are an invasion on a person’s personal privacy. In a nutshell he feels that there is a conspiracy on the part of San Diego and other cities that use these cameras. He believes that these cameras are placed at intersections that have short yellow lights, thereby insuring vast numbers of citations will be issued. That the cameras are not there to increase traffic safety, that they are there instead to bilk the driving public out of their money.

He also made the lame statement that “you cannot face your accuser in court or when you are receiving a ticket.” Like that’s going to make any difference. When was the last time anyone out there was able to talk their way out of getting a ticket for running a red light? Maybe if you are a super model or a buxom blond. What about when you get to court? Unless the cop doesn’t show up, the chances are slim at best of getting out of your ticket.

I’ve got a news flash for you, Mister Armey, our privacy is being invaded with every breath we take. The IRS knows where you work, live, and how much you earn. They know if you are married and have kids, and what charities and investments you like. Other agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services check up on you 4 times a year to keep tabs on how much you make, where you work, and if you are old, poor or healthy.

Agencies like the CIA and FBI have kept dossiers on private citizens for decades. Every time you log on to your computer or use your telephone, records are kept on what websites you visited, who you e-mailed, and who you called. If you don’t believe me, just ask Gary Condit. So Mr. Armey, it is a little late to put the genie back in the bottle. In this information age, our privacy is being violated every day.

If any of these politicos want to do something about the invasion of privacy issue, investigate one of the aforementioned agencies and curtail their activities. Forget going after a new technology that helps everyone, except traffic violators.

Like so many public servants Mr. Armey, I am assuming, has never driven anywhere in the San Gabriel Valley. If he had I am sure he would re-think his stance. Fewer people running red lights means fewer accidents. If it turns out that the cameras also give the cities an extra added source of income, so much the better. Even though the cities have to split the money with Lockheed Martin, the manufacturers of the cameras, I think many of our local cities are missing the potential citation gravy train and we should get on board.

Unlike most communities, we don’t have one or two bad intersections; every one is a nightmare. Every intersection could be an El Dorado waiting to be found if only we would make the initial investment in the system. Currently San Diego has 19 of these cameras in operation and according to Armey’s Army they have generated $30 million in citations being given out. This could not be confirmed by San Diego’s web site but even if it is a fraction of that, it’s nothing to sneeze at.

I think even a little burg like Temple City, given its current plans for redevelopment, uh I mean refurbishment, could benefit from the income that it would generate. They would also be doing a major service to the driving community as a whole. The Sheriffs can’t be everywhere at once and to be honest, I have seen many a red light run with a Sheriffs cruiser present and they just let it go. They were either looking down or the other way, and after all, they only have two eyes. So why not give them a permanent set at every intersection? Yes, I said EVERY intersection. It may be a bit pricey out of the gate, but consider it an investment in the future.

This technology has been around for years and considering this area is always the last to get on the bandwagon, lets not let those dollars slip through our fingers like so many bad drivers slipping through a red light.

The Shrub Speaks: “You saw the president yesterday. I thought he was very forward-leaning, as they say in diplomatic nuanced circles.” -- Referring to his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Rome, July 23, 2001