Having moved from Lousy-ana (the land of many taxes, fees and fines) to Mississippi, I have enjoyed many subtle and not-so-subtle legal differences with financial ramifications. Chief among them is a prohibition against automated traffic enforcement, to wit:

"SECTION 1. (1) (a) Neither the board of supervisors of any county nor the governing authority of any municipality shall adopt, enact or enforce any ordinance authorizing the use of automated recording equipment or system to enforce compliance with traffic signals, traffic speeds or other traffic laws, rules or regulations on any public street, road or highway within this state or to impose or collect any civil or criminal fine, fee or penalty for any such violation."

This law has been on the books since 2009. Louisiana and many other states seem to have no issue with dipping into the pockets of citizens with automated systems. Worst of all, (and I can only speak knowledgeably about Louisiana) these systems are typically owned and operated by contractors who are paid the lion's share of the profit generated by the tickets!

Our Secretary of Transportation is doing his dead level best to make automated traffic enforcement ubiquitous across the United States. These things are always done in the name of "safety", which is a load of meadow muffins. Automated systems monitor the public, control behavior and steal money. That's it. No wonder socialists like them so much.

Here is a quick sample of why I will oppose automated traffic enforcement at every turn:

1. Revenue generated is unevenly split between contractors and municipalities. The problems with this setup are mind-numbingly innumerable. I'll supply just one. Politicians think it's ok to have an out of state for profit company shoot pictures, write tickets and collect money from the citizenry? Seriously?

2. Presumption of innocence lost. Although not guaranteed by the Constitution, Supreme Court precedent has held that the only way to a fair trial is the unconditional granting of presumption of innocence until proven otherwise. Citations from automated systems START with presumption of guilt. I have a serious issue with that.

3. The Sixth Amendment violation cannot be underestimated. Pairing with my #2 concern is the removal of my right to cross examine witnesses against me. How does one cross examine a camera and radar system?

In my video "Mr. Stillwater Goes to Court", I tell about when I fought the system and won. Far too many people won't make that effort, finding the discomfort of the fine more palatable. That irks me because of where the money goes.

If the Secretary of Transportation is successful, the government and automated traffic monitoring system contractors will be stealing your money very soon. If I commit a crime, I need to accept my punishment. But, dammit, I want my day in court and the government had better give me a chance to cross examine my accuser.

Money grubbing, power hungry thieves: Anyone who thinks these things are a good idea.