Tim Utz's Views on Government Intrusion

Many times my campaign conversations with constituents migrate to government interference. People have variations of view as to what defines interference. Most people know intrusion by government occurs, but fail to articulate exactly the feeling into a clear convincing example.

I also found myself last Fall fully aware that government is far too comfortable being my best friend and confidant. I took stock and observed: government had one hand on my shoulder providing condolences of support while fleecing my pockets with the other hand.

The insidious growth of the heavy hand of government has gone on for decades, from years ago quietly suggesting how our lives are to be lived to today's more explicit dictatorial demands for silent submission.

I want to share just one example in Minnesota at the state level where this powerful twisting of the relationship between “We the People” and state government has occurred. My example exposes how state government increases taxation without representation while stealing our personal rights protected under the state and national constitution. Like the frog left in a pan of water over a small flame, he boils to death without knowing any danger exists.

Seatbelts are life savers and hold great value protecting life and limb. Personally I believe everyone should wear seatbelts while in a moving vehicle. That said several years ago the state decided to change the laws to further encourage seatbelt compliance in Minnesota. The law then changed to provide for primary warning for not wearing seatbelts. The law then changed again to make not wearing seatbelts a secondary offence, a $25.00 tax. This move from warning to offence is where the state began collecting another tax revenue under the banner of enforcement and protection. “Better yet the laws are changed again to provide for a primary offence when not wearing a seatbelt a $135.00 fine.”

8/28/08
Update: Carolyn Laine, my opponent, contacted me to correct this section of my article. Minnesota has attempted to pass a primary seatbelt law in 2008 and failed. The seatbelt fine in Anoka County is $110.00 with $25.00 being the base seat belt violation charge and the balance $85.00 to other government fees. For the adventurers among us visit:

http://www.mncourts.gov/Documents/4/Public/Traffic_Violations/7-2008_Web_TRAFFIC_tables.pdf

Just a small sample of how your liberties are striped away, one new law at a time.

Attempting a further step into the private lives of Minnesota residents, in 2008 the governing legislature tried and failed to extend the seatbelt laws once again. Their desired goal: issuance of a seatbelt violation ticket to the driver for any minor in the vehicle not wearing a seatbelt. 

In conclusion, across all segments of state government we witness meticulous erosions of our constitutional freedoms, personal ability to choose, and personal wealth. The elected servants of Minnesota justify this as a necessary result of providing a “great place to live”. Truth be told “We the People” lose life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness one right at a time to a state government acting as Lord over us rather than acting in its proper capacity as a servant of the people.