Atlasian Civil Liberties Caucus (ACLC)

[The Duke]

Thank you all for bringing your convention to the city of Portland in the wonderful Pacific Region!

I'd like to speak briefly to you about civil liberties issues that are of particular importance to this Region, the liberty of drivers.

I want the Caucus to know that I oppose all seat belt laws.  I take the libertarian view, and I think people had ought t o have the liberty to make decisions about their own safety.  There is no questin seat belts save lives, and I always wear mine.  However, there is no reason the government should be able to force me to protect my health in this way any more than the government should be able to force me to go the gym or count carbs.

I also want to ease speed limit laws, which are an onreous infringement on citizens liberties.  I often make the drive from my home in Los Angeles to see my family in San Diego.  To avoid the traffic on the 405 Freeway during the day, I often leave for San Diego very early in the morning, 3 or 4 am, or very late at night.  I am well rested and sober-- and the only one on the road.  Why should I be forced to drive 65 mph when not another car is in sight?

In the end, its not street signs that provide arbitrary speed limits, but the judgement of drivers that I feel provides the best safety precaution possible, and Germany which has no speed limits on its freeways has proven this with a lower accident rate than in America.

I hope this provides an insight on my attitude sufficient to warrant the endorsement of your organization, thank you.