When did VA laws get so out of hand? (Fries: condos, casinos)

[jballa]

I lived in Virginia for almost 30 years so I know that it is a strict governing body which some account it for being a Commonwealth. However, a commonwealth only means that it is a body governing for the common good of its people... when did that ever come to mean its acceptable to have laws and punishments that aren't wanted by the people of The Commonwealth?

For example... you can ride your mower on the street while drinking a beer, get a .08 (which was legal a few years back) and lose your license for over a year, go to jail, and lose your job. Get two .08's, and you're guaranteed jail, 3 years suspended lisence and some more goodies. I understand the consequences could include up to death for DUI, but a .08 with no accident or major risk of damage to property/life! Rediculous.

Other examples include the proposed no smoking in restaurants law. If you want your restaurant no smoking, then ban it. Why does that require the government? Did you know it's illegal to drink a beer on your porch if its visible to others? Why can an 19 year-old soldier die for me, but not have a drink to temporarily forget about the danger? Is it ok that The Commonwealth refuses to recognize Indian tribes b/c they may establish casinos, they are Native Americans regardless aren't they? Helmet laws, hunting law punishments (jail), vehicle laws (truck lifts, window tint) it goes on and on to prove that we are over-governed, restriced and punished.

I'm sure there are plenty of other examples of overboard laws that some of you can add, but my point is when did the people of VA decide that we wanted to be over-governed? Who decided driving was a privilage? I have the right to pursue happiness and with no other way to get to work and pay mortgage/groceries, I wouldn't be very happy. I enjoy my freedoms, and the problem with all of this is that once the legislation is passed it is difficult to remove from law. Courts & jails are slammed packed partially due to increased penalties and laws. Can we do anything about it... I personally don't think so.

[SmerkyGrl]

Its partially a mix of bureaucracy in DC, the "activist" population, and the overparanoid, overzealous people who made VA (as well as other states) they way they are today. The smoking ban, if I recall correctly, was pushed by mothers who felt that their children were subjected to "unnecessary cruel and unusual treatment" by smokers' second hand smoke...but nevermind that other patrons have to be subject to their brats throwing food and loudly yelling at a reputable eating establishment. If you look online, you'll find websites that list many other ridiculous laws in other states. Did you know, for instance, that fuzzy dice on the rearview mirror are actually illegal in Virginia? As is cursing and being nude in front of women and children in Montana? Also, premarital sex among people of ANY age (children or adults) is actually a JAILABLE offense in Virginia. Fun stuff eh?

[jb124]

I don't have a problem with any of the laws you mention except perhaps not being able to legally drink a beer on my own patio. I was under the impression that it's private property so it's ok. Is it not?

I even agree with the "fuzzy dice" law that SmerkyGrl mentions. Our drivers are terrible enough as it is, we don't need something distracting them and/or impeding their view.

[jballa]

Originally Posted by jb124

I don't have a problem with any of the laws you mention except perhaps not being able to legally drink a beer on my own patio. I was under the impression that it's private property so it's ok. Is it not?

I even agree with the "fuzzy dice" law that SmerkyGrl mentions. Our drivers are terrible enough as it is, we don't need something distracting them and/or impeding their view.

Excuse the assumption but being from NoVA and having the opinions you do, I'd bet that you're a liberal (socialist) who'd prefer the state to assign jobs and housing too. Pretty sad but thanks for helping me prove my point.

[5stones]

It's not just VA it's every state. Esp with the smoking ban. In CA the ban includes Bars as well as Resturants and ANY public space..the beach etc... They are now trying to pass a No smoking law in Condos because of the close proimity to neighbors etc..
NY just passed the Fat law in resturants...NO trans fats for you!

It's big government in General.... I guess even though we are grown-ups we are incapable of making even the simplest decisions for ourselves... Bastiges want to change the reciepe in McDonalds Fries for cryin' out loud!!! I like them they way are...fat and unhealthy is what makes them so good!!

[ellar]

Yay!! I am glad Virginia is considering a smoking ban in restaurants. We have it in Georgia (very conservative state at that) and absolutely love it! It was one thing my husband and I said we would miss when we move to Virginia this summer. I hate eating near smokers, and it is downright bad for my daughter who has asthma. The smoking ban has made eating out here much more pleasant and the restaurants here are packed, so the ban is certainly not hurting business. Sorry--but smoking is something that affects everyone in the vicinity indoors. Also, driving has always been considered a privilege, not a right. The lawn mower example sounds a little silly, but generally I think almost everyone agrees that drinking and driving is bad. It sounds like Virginia is in line with the rest of the country for the most part. Every state has some old stupid laws that are not enforced. They spotlight those sorts of things on shows like Letterman. That's nothing new.

[Katie1]

I would like to know since when do you need a drivers licence to ride/drive a lawn mower???

[superk]

Originally Posted by jballa

Did you know it's illegal to drink a beer on your porch if its visible to others?

That's hardly an unusual law. I've seen that in other states as well.

[jb124]

Originally Posted by jballa

Excuse the assumption but being from NoVA and having the opinions you do, I'd bet that you're a liberal (socialist) who'd prefer the state to assign jobs and housing too. Pretty sad but thanks for helping me prove my point.

Lol, ok easy there Mr. Libertarian, that's a leap there, saying I think the state should tell people where to live and where to work. As far as me being a 'socialist,' Every time I take one of those 'where are you on the political scale' type online quizzes I end up in the middle.

But... I do support smoking bans and very tough DUI laws. The other stuff is negotiable. I never said they were good or bad laws (cept the fuzzy dice law, which wasn't in your post anyway), I just said I didn't have a problem with them. And 5stones is right, VA is similar to many states and is actually behind the curve on some of this stuff.

[SmerkyGrl]

Originally Posted by jballa

Excuse the assumption but being from NoVA and having the opinions you do, I'd bet that you're a liberal (socialist) who'd prefer the state to assign jobs and housing too. Pretty sad but thanks for helping me prove my point.

You know what's even sadder? Looping all things into one category and tagging it as "sad". I'm liberal (though definitely not socialist) and yet I share much of the disdain that you have for stupid laws. My dear, in the end it is the lack of ability to intellectually analyze the practicality of situations---not whether you're liberal or conservative or democrat or republican---that makes things truly sad.