Andy Borgmann's Blog

About a month ago, I received something I have always wanted to receive: a traffic citation through the mail because of a traffic camera. Now I know you think I am nuts. But I'll explain why in a second. The problem was in this instance, this particular traffic citation was from Australia, for speeding, and there was no cheap way to fight it. However, there also was no way for them to enforce it either, so I didn't pay it. One of my friends even suggested that I "take a picture" of the $200 they were requesting in fines and send them the photo. I thought that was humorous, but passed.

I should note that this brings my speeding ticket count up to eight, in five states, and now two countries. That's pretty impressive, right? But I digress.

Ok...so even though this wasn't quite what I have always wanted, it is a good premise to talk about traffic citations with the use of cameras. Most Americans don't realize that we all have the right to cross examine our excuser when being accused of a criminal offense. Now, the problem is, if the only "accuser" in the situation is a traffic camera, you have no ability to cross examine said traffic camera.

Now according to Scottsdale, AZ mayor, public opinion poll reveals that 65% of people are ok with red light traffic cameras (he call's this "widespread opinion," I hardly called 65% widespread, but, ok "I'll bite.") Now you say, Andy, that's cool. Why not enforce people who run red lights. Just like the seatbelt law, again, I have to ask the question, where does it stop? There are already some in Arizona considering traffic cameras for speeding (like Australia). But does it stop there? Or does the camera, alas George Orwell's 1984 prophecy come true, become the here all, end all, in law enforcement. Lets just put cameras up everywhere and we'll all be a lot safer. Thus yielding the power to anyone in power to take creative liberties to any photo with a $299 purchase of Photoshop.

For me, I'll stick with the founders of this country and demand the ability to cross examine my excuser. It might create a slightly more "volatile" country, but I'll take that risk to live in freedom from Big Brother and Photoshop. After all, who’s going to believe me when I call Photoshop to the stand as my accuser?