"Marc" <whineryy@yifan.net> wrote in message
news:i7kvfvcb7gaphfj5tj5rech5kpknp35ci3@4ax.com... "jaybird" <nospam@me.com> wrote:"Brent P" <tetraethyllead@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:Zx4Ka.11777$e26.8837@rwcrnsc52.ops.asp.att.ne t... Fact remains, it's hypocritical to get a ticket from a cop for cruising safely at say 80mph when that cop cruises at 85mph.It's not, and the reasons for that have been explained several times. If the cop is safe at 85, then the civilian is safe at 80 (may not be
true, but let's just assume that for the argument). For a ticket to be given, either the cop drives unsafely at 85 (which is illegal under TX law for reckless driving, which cops aren't exempt from) or gives a ticket to a safe driver going 80.

The cop would have to go 85, or even faster, to catch the violator who's
doing 80. You might do a little more research into what constitutes
reckless driving in Texas. Merely exceeding the speed limit, for anyone,
does not meet the criteria. The statute states that the driver has to drive
with a "wilful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property."
Contact your local DA's office and ask them what they will accept to
prosecute that charge. One traffic violation isn't enough.

--

jaybird

I am not the cause of your problems. I am the result of your actions...
Your life is not my fault.

---------

In article <caiMa.37158$hV.2247903@twister.austin.rr.com>, jaybird wrote: "Brent P" <tetraethyllead@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:v7iMa.75531$R73.10039@sccrnsc04... In article <1lhMa.31143$XV.2053992@twister.austin.rr.com>, jaybird wrote: "Marc" <whineryy@yifan.net> wrote in message news:i7kvfvcb7gaphfj5tj5rech5kpknp35ci3@4ax.com...> "jaybird" <nospam@me.com> wrote:> >"Brent P" <tetraethyllead@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:Zx4Ka.11777$e26.8837@rwcrnsc52.ops.asp.att.ne t...>> >> Fact remains, it's hypocritical to get a ticket from a cop for cruising> >> safely at say 80mph when that cop cruises at 85mph.> >> >It's not, and the reasons for that have been explained several times.>> If the cop is safe at 85, then the civilian is safe at 80 (may not be true,> but let's just assume that for the argument). For a ticket to be given,> either the cop drives unsafely at 85 (which is illegal under TX law for> reckless driving, which cops aren't exempt from) or gives a ticket to a> safe driver going 80. The cop would have to go 85, or even faster, to catch the violator who's doing 80. Diversion. The officer would normally cruise at 85mph given those conditions but tickets people who go 80mph. That's the situation. Same thing...

Cruising != chasing someone. Cruising means simple driving from A to B
without any emergency or anything else. Just going from A to B, driving
a comfortable, reasonable speed for the conditions.

I've seen ISP officers cruising between 80 and 85 mph countless times.
All but a couple of times it was perfectly safe and reasonable. The problem
is that they ticket people for driving the same way.

In article <Xns93AB77582186FcahDfncah555NO@130.133.1.4>, Dimpled Chad wrote:
You argue (I think, correct me if I'm putting words in your mouth) that such special accomodation is not necessary and downright hypocritical, mocking the very laws that they are enforcing.

My arguement is if they can do a given speed cruising around posing no
increased danger to other road users, then it's safe and reasonable speed
and should be legal for all. Remember, a speed limit is supposed to be an
upper bound safe speed.
So, maybe the conversation might be better swayed to this matter of special accomodation, whether it is necessary for the proper functioning of law enforcement or damaging to its mission?

That arguement doesn't hold IMO. 55mph speed limits, and low speed limits
in general are supported by police department they say it is unsafe to
go faster. If it's not safe then this special accomodation is putting
citizens at risk. Needless risk. The other alternative is that the speed
is safe and reasonable, in which case it should also be legal.

In article <YRjMa.35903$XV.2075138@twister.austin.rr.com>, jaybird wrote: "Brent P" <tetraethyllead@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:fOiMa.75675$R73.9740@sccrnsc04... In article <caiMa.37158$hV.2247903@twister.austin.rr.com>, jaybird wrote: "Brent P" <tetraethyllead@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:v7iMa.75531$R73.10039@sccrnsc04...> In article <1lhMa.31143$XV.2053992@twister.austin.rr.com>, jaybird wrote:> >> > "Marc" <whineryy@yifan.net> wrote in message> > news:i7kvfvcb7gaphfj5tj5rech5kpknp35ci3@4ax.com...> >> "jaybird" <nospam@me.com> wrote:> >> >"Brent P" <tetraethyllead@yahoo.com> wrote in message> > news:Zx4Ka.11777$e26.8837@rwcrnsc52.ops.asp.att.ne t...> >>> >> >> Fact remains, it's hypocritical to get a ticket from a cop for cruising> >> >> safely at say 80mph when that cop cruises at 85mph.> >> >> >> >It's not, and the reasons for that have been explained several times.> >>> >> If the cop is safe at 85, then the civilian is safe at 80 (may not be> > true,> >> but let's just assume that for the argument). For a ticket to be given,> >> either the cop drives unsafely at 85 (which is illegal under TX law for> >> reckless driving, which cops aren't exempt from) or gives a ticket to a> >> safe driver going 80.> >> > The cop would have to go 85, or even faster, to catch the violator who's> > doing 80.>> Diversion. The officer would normally cruise at 85mph given those> conditions but tickets people who go 80mph. That's the situation. Same thing... Cruising != chasing someone. Cruising means simple driving from A to B without any emergency or anything else. Just going from A to B, driving a comfortable, reasonable speed for the conditions. I've seen ISP officers cruising between 80 and 85 mph countless times. All but a couple of times it was perfectly safe and reasonable. The problem is that they ticket people for driving the same way. I was agreeing.

To what?

In article <mVjMa.35904$XV.2075454@twister.austin.rr.com>, jaybird wrote: "Brent P" <tetraethyllead@yahoo.com> wrote in message In article <Xns93AB77582186FcahDfncah555NO@130.133.1.4>, Dimpled Chad wrote:
You argue (I think, correct me if I'm putting words in your mouth) that such special accomodation is not necessary and downright hypocritical, mocking the very laws that they are enforcing.
My arguement is if they can do a given speed cruising around posing no increased danger to other road users, then it's safe and reasonable speed and should be legal for all. Remember, a speed limit is supposed to be an upper bound safe speed.
So, maybe the conversation might be better swayed to this matter of special accomodation, whether it is necessary for the proper functioning of law enforcement or damaging to its mission?
That arguement doesn't hold IMO. 55mph speed limits, and low speed limits in general are supported by police department they say it is unsafe to go faster. If it's not safe then this special accomodation is putting citizens at risk. Needless risk. The other alternative is that the speed is safe and reasonable, in which case it should also be legal.
It's safe and reasonable for some, not so safe and reasonable for others. I know it's a double standard, but we're talking about two completely different groups of people when it comes to training, necessity, accountability, etc... It's safe for a police vehicle to go faster than the flow of traffic because that flow, when within its legal boundaries, is predictable and manageable.

*sigh* The cop is driving like *everybody* else. He's not significantly
over the flow speed of the road, he's in the 85th percentile valley of
safety. He's driving the speed many are (or would be going if he weren't
there) going. He's simply exceeding the speed limit like everyone is
doing. He's a hypocrite to take the speed kills party line and ticket
for speeds that he himself drives under the same conditions.

There is no good reason for a cop to be driving at 85th percentile yet
ticket someone at the 75th for going 'too fast'. And that's the very
set of conditions that exist in IL.

"jaybird" <nospam@me.com> wrote in message news:<1lhMa.31143$XV.2053992@twister.austin.rr.com>... "Marc" <whineryy@yifan.net> wrote in message news:i7kvfvcb7gaphfj5tj5rech5kpknp35ci3@4ax.com... "jaybird" <nospam@me.com> wrote:"Brent P" <tetraethyllead@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:Zx4Ka.11777$e26.8837@rwcrnsc52.ops.asp.att.ne t...> Fact remains, it's hypocritical to get a ticket from a cop for cruising> safely at say 80mph when that cop cruises at 85mph.It's not, and the reasons for that have been explained several times. If the cop is safe at 85, then the civilian is safe at 80 (may not be true, but let's just assume that for the argument). For a ticket to be given, either the cop drives unsafely at 85 (which is illegal under TX law for reckless driving, which cops aren't exempt from) or gives a ticket to a safe driver going 80. The cop would have to go 85, or even faster, to catch the violator who's doing 80. You might do a little more research into what constitutes reckless driving in Texas. Merely exceeding the speed limit, for anyone, does not meet the criteria. The statute states that the driver has to drive with a "wilful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property." Contact your local DA's office and ask them what they will accept to prosecute that charge. One traffic violation isn't enough.

Sounds like a catch-22 then. If anyone is going fast enough to be
illegal (please note that I'm using your interpretation of TX law, I
didn't actually look it up) then the only legal way to stop them would
be to radio ahead and have the driver flagged down, as if the violator
were traveling fast enough to constitute "wilful or wanton disregard
for the safety of persons or property" then you would have to do the
same to catch them. Therefore it should be near impossible to get a
speeding ticket in TX unless you're committing another violation at
the same time (thus showing wilful disregard etc. at a speed that by
itself would not constitute same.) I'm sure I'm mistaken, but your
explanation leaves that impression...

BTW please don't get me wrong, I'm not implying that 85 MPH is an
unsafe speed at all, on the contrary, I've driven that fast many times
with no ill consequences.

nate

In article <mVjMa.35904$XV.2075454@twister.austin.rr.com>, jaybird wrote: "Brent P" <tetraethyllead@yahoo.com> wrote in message In article <Xns93AB77582186FcahDfncah555NO@130.133.1.4>, Dimpled Chad wrote:
You argue (I think, correct me if I'm putting words in your mouth) that such special accomodation is not necessary and downright hypocritical, mocking the very laws that they are enforcing.
My arguement is if they can do a given speed cruising around posing no increased danger to other road users, then it's safe and reasonable speed and should be legal for all. Remember, a speed limit is supposed to be an upper bound safe speed.
So, maybe the conversation might be better swayed to this matter of special accomodation, whether it is necessary for the proper functioning of law enforcement or damaging to its mission?
That arguement doesn't hold IMO. 55mph speed limits, and low speed limits in general are supported by police department they say it is unsafe to go faster. If it's not safe then this special accomodation is putting citizens at risk. Needless risk. The other alternative is that the speed is safe and reasonable, in which case it should also be legal.
It's safe and reasonable for some, not so safe and reasonable for others. I know it's a double standard, but we're talking about two completely different groups of people when it comes to training, necessity, accountability, etc... It's safe for a police vehicle to go faster than the flow of traffic because that flow, when within its legal boundaries, is predictable and manageable.

*sigh* The cop is driving like *everybody* else. He's not significantly
over the flow speed of the road, he's in the 85th percentile valley of
safety. He's driving the speed many are (or would be going if he weren't
there) going. He's simply exceeding the speed limit like everyone is
doing. He's a hypocrite to take the speed kills party line and ticket
for speeds that he himself drives under the same conditions.

There is no good reason for a cop to be driving at 85th percentile yet
ticket someone at the 75th for going 'too fast'. And that's the very
set of conditions that exist in IL.

In article <1lhMa.31143$XV.2053992@twister.austin.rr.com>, jaybird wrote: "Marc" <whineryy@yifan.net> wrote in message news:i7kvfvcb7gaphfj5tj5rech5kpknp35ci3@4ax.com... "jaybird" <nospam@me.com> wrote:"Brent P" <tetraethyllead@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:Zx4Ka.11777$e26.8837@rwcrnsc52.ops.asp.att.ne t...> Fact remains, it's hypocritical to get a ticket from a cop for cruising> safely at say 80mph when that cop cruises at 85mph.It's not, and the reasons for that have been explained several times. If the cop is safe at 85, then the civilian is safe at 80 (may not be true, but let's just assume that for the argument). For a ticket to be given, either the cop drives unsafely at 85 (which is illegal under TX law for reckless driving, which cops aren't exempt from) or gives a ticket to a safe driver going 80. The cop would have to go 85, or even faster, to catch the violator who's doing 80.

Diversion. The officer would normally cruise at 85mph given those
conditions but tickets people who go 80mph. That's the situation.

In article <YRjMa.35903$XV.2075138@twister.austin.rr.com>, jaybird wrote: "Brent P" <tetraethyllead@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:fOiMa.75675$R73.9740@sccrnsc04... In article <caiMa.37158$hV.2247903@twister.austin.rr.com>, jaybird wrote: "Brent P" <tetraethyllead@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:v7iMa.75531$R73.10039@sccrnsc04...> In article <1lhMa.31143$XV.2053992@twister.austin.rr.com>, jaybird wrote:> >> > "Marc" <whineryy@yifan.net> wrote in message> > news:i7kvfvcb7gaphfj5tj5rech5kpknp35ci3@4ax.com...> >> "jaybird" <nospam@me.com> wrote:> >> >"Brent P" <tetraethyllead@yahoo.com> wrote in message> > news:Zx4Ka.11777$e26.8837@rwcrnsc52.ops.asp.att.ne t...> >>> >> >> Fact remains, it's hypocritical to get a ticket from a cop for cruising> >> >> safely at say 80mph when that cop cruises at 85mph.> >> >> >> >It's not, and the reasons for that have been explained several times.> >>> >> If the cop is safe at 85, then the civilian is safe at 80 (may not be> > true,> >> but let's just assume that for the argument). For a ticket to be given,> >> either the cop drives unsafely at 85 (which is illegal under TX law for> >> reckless driving, which cops aren't exempt from) or gives a ticket to a> >> safe driver going 80.> >> > The cop would have to go 85, or even faster, to catch the violator who's> > doing 80.>> Diversion. The officer would normally cruise at 85mph given those> conditions but tickets people who go 80mph. That's the situation. Same thing... Cruising != chasing someone. Cruising means simple driving from A to B without any emergency or anything else. Just going from A to B, driving a comfortable, reasonable speed for the conditions. I've seen ISP officers cruising between 80 and 85 mph countless times. All but a couple of times it was perfectly safe and reasonable. The problem is that they ticket people for driving the same way. I was agreeing.

To what?

"Nate Nagel" <njnagel@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:4b6d2dd6.0307011238.14943348@posting.google.c om... "jaybird" <nospam@me.com> wrote in message
news:<1lhMa.31143$XV.2053992@twister.austin.rr.com>... "Marc" <whineryy@yifan.net> wrote in message news:i7kvfvcb7gaphfj5tj5rech5kpknp35ci3@4ax.com... "jaybird" <nospam@me.com> wrote: >"Brent P" <tetraethyllead@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:Zx4Ka.11777$e26.8837@rwcrnsc52.ops.asp.att.ne t... >> Fact remains, it's hypocritical to get a ticket from a cop for
cruising >> safely at say 80mph when that cop cruises at 85mph. > >It's not, and the reasons for that have been explained several times. If the cop is safe at 85, then the civilian is safe at 80 (may not be true, but let's just assume that for the argument). For a ticket to be
given, either the cop drives unsafely at 85 (which is illegal under TX law
for reckless driving, which cops aren't exempt from) or gives a ticket to
a safe driver going 80. The cop would have to go 85, or even faster, to catch the violator who's doing 80. You might do a little more research into what constitutes reckless driving in Texas. Merely exceeding the speed limit, for
anyone, does not meet the criteria. The statute states that the driver has to
drive with a "wilful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or
property." Contact your local DA's office and ask them what they will accept to prosecute that charge. One traffic violation isn't enough. Sounds like a catch-22 then. If anyone is going fast enough to be illegal (please note that I'm using your interpretation of TX law, I didn't actually look it up) then the only legal way to stop them would be to radio ahead and have the driver flagged down, as if the violator were traveling fast enough to constitute "wilful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property" then you would have to do the same to catch them. Therefore it should be near impossible to get a speeding ticket in TX unless you're committing another violation at the same time (thus showing wilful disregard etc. at a speed that by itself would not constitute same.) I'm sure I'm mistaken, but your explanation leaves that impression... BTW please don't get me wrong, I'm not implying that 85 MPH is an unsafe speed at all, on the contrary, I've driven that fast many times with no ill consequences.

Maybe my explanation was a little confusing then. In order to file charges
on someone for Reckless Driving, a class B misdemeanor, it has to be shown
that several, mainly class C offenses occurred, not just speeding or any
other one offense.

--

jaybird

I am not the cause of your problems. I am the result of your actions...
Your life is not my fault.

---------

"Brent P" <tetraethyllead@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:l7iMa.723$a45.1200@rwcrnsc52.ops.asp.att.net. .. In article <1lhMa.31143$XV.2053992@twister.austin.rr.com>, jaybird wrote: "Marc" <whineryy@yifan.net> wrote in message news:i7kvfvcb7gaphfj5tj5rech5kpknp35ci3@4ax.com... "jaybird" <nospam@me.com> wrote: >"Brent P" <tetraethyllead@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:Zx4Ka.11777$e26.8837@rwcrnsc52.ops.asp.att.ne t... >> Fact remains, it's hypocritical to get a ticket from a cop for
cruising >> safely at say 80mph when that cop cruises at 85mph. > >It's not, and the reasons for that have been explained several times. If the cop is safe at 85, then the civilian is safe at 80 (may not be true, but let's just assume that for the argument). For a ticket to be
given, either the cop drives unsafely at 85 (which is illegal under TX law for reckless driving, which cops aren't exempt from) or gives a ticket to a safe driver going 80. The cop would have to go 85, or even faster, to catch the violator who's doing 80. Diversion. The officer would normally cruise at 85mph given those conditions but tickets people who go 80mph. That's the situation.

You know, I don't really reply to you much anymore Brent because everything
is apparently a diversion, or a strawman or other nifty name calling tactic.
You're never satisfied.

--

jaybird

I am not the cause of your problems. I am the result of your actions...
Your life is not my fault.

---------

On Wed, 02 Jul 2003 15:21:48 GMT, "jaybird" <nospam@me.com> wrote:
"Brent P" <tetraethyllead@yahoo.com> wrote in messagenews:l7iMa.723$a45.1200@rwcrnsc52.ops.asp.a tt.net... In article <1lhMa.31143$XV.2053992@twister.austin.rr.com>, jaybird wrote: "Marc" <whineryy@yifan.net> wrote in message news:i7kvfvcb7gaphfj5tj5rech5kpknp35ci3@4ax.com...> "jaybird" <nospam@me.com> wrote:> >"Brent P" <tetraethyllead@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:Zx4Ka.11777$e26.8837@rwcrnsc52.ops.asp.att.ne t...>> >> Fact remains, it's hypocritical to get a ticket from a cop for cruising> >> safely at say 80mph when that cop cruises at 85mph.> >> >It's not, and the reasons for that have been explained several times.>> If the cop is safe at 85, then the civilian is safe at 80 (may not be true,> but let's just assume that for the argument). For a ticket to be given,> either the cop drives unsafely at 85 (which is illegal under TX law for> reckless driving, which cops aren't exempt from) or gives a ticket to a> safe driver going 80. The cop would have to go 85, or even faster, to catch the violator who's doing 80. Diversion. The officer would normally cruise at 85mph given those conditions but tickets people who go 80mph. That's the situation.You know, I don't really reply to you much anymore Brent because everythingis apparently a diversion, or a strawman or other nifty name calling tactic.You're never satisfied.

In this case you did misunderstand, deliberately or not is for the
audience to decide.

The point Brent was making was that it is hypocritical of the cop to
cruise at 85 and the ticket people for doing 80. Please note that the
cop in the example provided shows no sign of chasing anyone or rushing
anywhere.
--
Brandon Sommerville
remove ".gov" to e-mail

Definition of "Lottery":
Millions of stupid people contributing
to make one stupid person look smart.

"Brandon Sommerville" <grimrod@mindless.com.gov> wrote in message
news:9e24b7b2f208961b88c8b17b518db12f@free.teranew s.com... On Wed, 02 Jul 2003 15:21:48 GMT, "jaybird" <nospam@me.com> wrote:"Brent P" <tetraethyllead@yahoo.com> wrote in messagenews:l7iMa.723$a45.1200@rwcrnsc52.ops.asp.a tt.net... In article <1lhMa.31143$XV.2053992@twister.austin.rr.com>, jaybird
wrote: > > "Marc" <whineryy@yifan.net> wrote in message > news:i7kvfvcb7gaphfj5tj5rech5kpknp35ci3@4ax.com... >> "jaybird" <nospam@me.com> wrote: >> >"Brent P" <tetraethyllead@yahoo.com> wrote in message > news:Zx4Ka.11777$e26.8837@rwcrnsc52.ops.asp.att.ne t... >> >> >> Fact remains, it's hypocritical to get a ticket from a cop for
cruising >> >> safely at say 80mph when that cop cruises at 85mph. >> > >> >It's not, and the reasons for that have been explained several
times. >> >> If the cop is safe at 85, then the civilian is safe at 80 (may not
be true, >> but let's just assume that for the argument). For a ticket to be
given, >> either the cop drives unsafely at 85 (which is illegal under TX law
for >> reckless driving, which cops aren't exempt from) or gives a ticket
to a >> safe driver going 80. > > The cop would have to go 85, or even faster, to catch the violator
who's > doing 80. Diversion. The officer would normally cruise at 85mph given those conditions but tickets people who go 80mph. That's the situation.You know, I don't really reply to you much anymore Brent because
everythingis apparently a diversion, or a strawman or other nifty name calling
tactic.You're never satisfied. In this case you did misunderstand, deliberately or not is for the audience to decide. The point Brent was making was that it is hypocritical of the cop to cruise at 85 and the ticket people for doing 80. Please note that the cop in the example provided shows no sign of chasing anyone or rushing anywhere.

Hypocritical or not, a police vehicle is not typical traffic. They don't
have to show signs of either one. There... I've said it for the 900th time
and I'm done.

--

jaybird

I am not the cause of your problems. I am the result of your actions...
Your life is not my fault.

---------

In article <jeDMa.39512$hV.2432216@twister.austin.rr.com>, jaybird wrote: "Brandon Sommerville" <grimrod@mindless.com.gov> wrote in message
The point Brent was making was that it is hypocritical of the cop to cruise at 85 and the ticket people for doing 80. Please note that the cop in the example provided shows no sign of chasing anyone or rushing anywhere.
Hypocritical or not, a police vehicle is not typical traffic. They don't have to show signs of either one. There... I've said it for the 900th time and I'm done.

So your point is reduced to that police officers are above the law because
they are special. They need to 'cover more ground' and 'make their presence
felt' and so forth. Well let's look at this in combination with the speed
kills philosphy endorsed by police departments offically and through
their ticketing actions across the nation.

We have a limited access highway with light traffic. It is posted with
a 55mph speed limit. An officer freely and safely cruises at 85mph. He
parks his cruiser under an overpass turns on the radar and pulls over and
tickets a motorist who drives by at 82mph. There are two options:

1) 'Speed kills' tells us that the maximum safe speed of the road is 55mph
in the most ideal conditions in the most ideal of cars and the motorist
deserves the ticket. The officer is also then needlessly endangering the
public by driving 30mph over this speed limit. Insert all the typical
speed kills arguements about the 'unexpected' etc and so forth. This
officer is a road going menance.

OR

2) 85mph is a perfectly reasonable safe speed for this roadway, the true
maximum probably somewhere around 100mph or so. The officer and the
citizen were driving well with in the limits of their vehicles for the
present road and weather conditions. There is simply a *legal* maximum
of 55mph and penalty for exceeding it. The motorist is then penalized
for going over the posted limit but slower than the officer because
the officer is simply exempt from the penalty. His action of ticketing
the motorist has nothing to do with safety, but mere collection of a
speed tax. If were about safety it would be 1).


I cannot think of any third option here. Either the officer is endangering
the public if 'speed kills' is valid or he acting as a hypocrite enforcing
a speed limit that he himself ingores because it has no relevance
regarding safety. He knows the safe maximum of the road is 100mph or
more, as does the motorist and picks a comfortable speed with good
margin just like the motorist.

Yes, it's just his job to ticket people for exceeding the limit, but
I know I couldn't live with myself enforcing something I neither obeyed
or believed to be right. I simply couldn't deem myself 'special' and
above other folks simply for being in a law enforcement profession.

In article <KQNMa.42882$xg5.12551@twister.austin.rr.com>, jaybird wrote: "Brent P" <tetraethyllead@yahoo.com> wrote in message
So your point is reduced to that police officers are above the law because they are special. They need to 'cover more ground' and 'make their presence felt' and so forth. Well let's look at this in combination with the speed kills philosphy endorsed by police departments offically and through their ticketing actions across the nation. We have a limited access highway with light traffic. It is posted with a 55mph speed limit. An officer freely and safely cruises at 85mph. He parks his cruiser under an overpass turns on the radar and pulls over and tickets a motorist who drives by at 82mph. There are two options: 1) 'Speed kills' tells us that the maximum safe speed of the road is 55mph in the most ideal conditions in the most ideal of cars and the motorist deserves the ticket. The officer is also then needlessly endangering the public by driving 30mph over this speed limit. Insert all the typical speed kills arguements about the 'unexpected' etc and so forth. This officer is a road going menance. OR 2) 85mph is a perfectly reasonable safe speed for this roadway, the true maximum probably somewhere around 100mph or so. The officer and the citizen were driving well with in the limits of their vehicles for the present road and weather conditions. There is simply a *legal* maximum of 55mph and penalty for exceeding it. The motorist is then penalized for going over the posted limit but slower than the officer because the officer is simply exempt from the penalty. His action of ticketing the motorist has nothing to do with safety, but mere collection of a speed tax. If were about safety it would be 1). I cannot think of any third option here. Either the officer is endangering the public if 'speed kills' is valid or he acting as a hypocrite enforcing a speed limit that he himself ingores because it has no relevance regarding safety. He knows the safe maximum of the road is 100mph or more, as does the motorist and picks a comfortable speed with good margin just like the motorist. Yes, it's just his job to ticket people for exceeding the limit, but I know I couldn't live with myself enforcing something I neither obeyed or believed to be right. I simply couldn't deem myself 'special' and above other folks simply for being in a law enforcement profession.
You're taking it too personally. You're singling out the individual officer for his driving rather than seeing the whole picture. Once again, the answer is:

No I am not taking it personally or signaling out an individual officer.
I see ISP officers driving 80mph + everytime I see one where conditions
support that sort of speed. EVERY TIME. Not sometimes, not now and then,
but EVERY TIME.
Hypocritical or not, a police vehicle is not typical traffic.

Above the law, yes you've stated that before. But point blank, either
speed kills is crap or the officers are endangering the public.

"jaybird" <nospam@me.com> wrote:
You're taking it too personally. You're singling out the individual officerfor his driving rather than seeing the whole picture.

It is personal when a single cop pulls over a single person. And the one
specific cop breaks the law off duty, as well as doesn't travel the speed
limit when on patrol but there is no specific reason to speed (other than
being special).
Once again, theanswer is:Hypocritical or not, a police vehicle is not typical traffic.

Then no one person is "typical traffic." Some have better cars. Some
worse. Some have better training. Some worse.

Just because you think you are special doesn't explain why the cops are
exempt from the law. Apparently, places outside TX manage to enforce laws
when the cops are not allowed to speed when on patrol. If cops are so
special, why are the laws not universal? Could it be the entire states
also do not see the special nature you assert?

Marc
For email, remove the first "y" of "whineryy"

jaybird wrote: "Brent P" <tetraethyllead@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:XMDMa.19055$926.798@sccrnsc03... In article <jeDMa.39512$hV.2432216@twister.austin.rr.com>, jaybird wrote: "Brandon Sommerville" <grimrod@mindless.com.gov> wrote in message> The point Brent was making was that it is hypocritical of the cop to> cruise at 85 and the ticket people for doing 80. Please note that the> cop in the example provided shows no sign of chasing anyone or rushing> anywhere. Hypocritical or not, a police vehicle is not typical traffic. They don't have to show signs of either one. There... I've said it for the 900th time and I'm done. So your point is reduced to that police officers are above the law because they are special. They need to 'cover more ground' and 'make their presence felt' and so forth. Well let's look at this in combination with the speed kills philosphy endorsed by police departments offically and through their ticketing actions across the nation. We have a limited access highway with light traffic. It is posted with a 55mph speed limit. An officer freely and safely cruises at 85mph. He parks his cruiser under an overpass turns on the radar and pulls over and tickets a motorist who drives by at 82mph. There are two options: 1) 'Speed kills' tells us that the maximum safe speed of the road is 55mph in the most ideal conditions in the most ideal of cars and the motorist deserves the ticket. The officer is also then needlessly endangering the public by driving 30mph over this speed limit. Insert all the typical speed kills arguements about the 'unexpected' etc and so forth. This officer is a road going menance. OR 2) 85mph is a perfectly reasonable safe speed for this roadway, the true maximum probably somewhere around 100mph or so. The officer and the citizen were driving well with in the limits of their vehicles for the present road and weather conditions. There is simply a *legal* maximum of 55mph and penalty for exceeding it. The motorist is then penalized for going over the posted limit but slower than the officer because the officer is simply exempt from the penalty. His action of ticketing the motorist has nothing to do with safety, but mere collection of a speed tax. If were about safety it would be 1). I cannot think of any third option here. Either the officer is endangering the public if 'speed kills' is valid or he acting as a hypocrite enforcing a speed limit that he himself ingores because it has no relevance regarding safety. He knows the safe maximum of the road is 100mph or more, as does the motorist and picks a comfortable speed with good margin just like the motorist. Yes, it's just his job to ticket people for exceeding the limit, but I know I couldn't live with myself enforcing something I neither obeyed or believed to be right. I simply couldn't deem myself 'special' and above other folks simply for being in a law enforcement profession. You're taking it too personally. You're singling out the individual officer for his driving rather than seeing the whole picture. Once again, the answer is: Hypocritical or not, a police vehicle is not typical traffic.

In the eyes of the law, in the state of MD, it is unless it's actively
responding to a call.

What may be legal in your corner of the world is not necessarily true
everywhere.

nate