Live Free or Die in NH, but Do It on Candid Camera

So much for New Hampshire’s motto, “Live Free or Die”. Seems like law makers now want to invade the Granite state citizen’s privacy with Big Brother cameras.

So what would be the reason of such cameras? Safety? Hardly. New Hampshire is one of the few states that not only does not make it mandatory for adults to wear seatbelt, but there is a no helmet law for motorcycle riders as well.

So when a bill came up in early April to consider allowing robotic traffic cameras at the busiest crossroads, mocking laughter from the gallery preceded the measure’s demise.

“The idea that we were going to be photographed [by the government] was anathema to most of us,” says Neal Kurk, a Republican from Weare, N.H.

Here is an interesting example of the law of unintended consequences. So the cameras are supposed to prevent accidents, right?

… and studies showing that while T-bone accidents are reduced, the numbers of rear-end accidents tend to rise as motorists slam on their brakes to avoid tickets.

The Granite stater’s are a unique breed and take their personal freedoms and right to privacy very seriously. I would be very surprised whether this is allowed to pass in any form that would be of any useful significance. When NH residents are asked about camera cops, it probably ranks right below sales and income tax. Does not quite have the same ring, but Don’t mess with New Hampshire.

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