Illinois lawmakers want to ban dogs behind the wheel of a car

It’s about time we let those we elect know that we can take care of ourselves.

Scott Reeder
Illinois News Network

Years ago, I covered an East Moline City Council meeting where a fellow stood up and called for banning  the sale of nonalcoholic beer to minors.

He quickly added he didn’t want to ban root beer – just the stuff that tastes like the alcoholic beverage.

The aldermen nodded their heads appreciatively and then debated the idea.

I remember thinking at the time, “Is this something government should be involved with?”

Some folks would have the citizenry encased in governmental bubble wrap – safe from making decisions for themselves or feeling life’s bumps and bruises.

Sometimes it seems our government wants to be everyone’s mother and father.

Right now, the General Assembly is considering banning the sale of energy drinks to anyone 18 or younger.

Isn’t that a decision that should be made by parents – not lawmakers?

Are we going to start stigmatizing youngsters who drink Red Bull as delinquents?

The problem with measures like this is that they diminish respect for all laws.

Want another shining example of nanny state nonsense?

Illinois lawmakers are pondering this year whether to prohibit folks from driving with a dog on their lap.

I’’m a dog owner and a driver. But I’’ve never considered allowing a dog on my lap while driving.

Admittedly, I own a Saint Bernard – but still.

Government can’t legislate common sense.

That’s why I find this whole idea of prohibiting people from talking on hand-held cell phones more than a bit perplexing.

How about allowing people to make decisions for themselves on when it’s safe to use a cell phone and when it’s not?

Instead, we have lawmakers pushing one-size-fits-all solutions for perceived problems.

The biggest distraction in my car isn’t my Blackberry ringing. It’s my three daughters in the back seat hollering, “She hit me! Did not! Did too! Are we there yet?”

Distracted driving is the issue – not cell phones in cars.

Sadly, many lawmakers are endorsing the idea that government knows best.

Back in 2000, then-Gov. George Ryan signed a bill into law requiring pet stores to warn people buying reptiles that they shouldn’t kiss snakes.

Just why someone would want to kiss a snake is beyond me.

But our government thinks you need to know.

It’s about time we let those we elect know that we can take care of ourselves, thank you very much.

After all, this is the Prairie State – not the Nanny State.