March 16, 2013
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Equality?
As I drove through the construction zone the other day I read a sign that said, $200.00 minimum fine for speeding in a construction zone.
I thought about those people that make minimum wage, here I believe it is $7.25 hr. (Not positive) that would mean they clear perhaps on average $250.00 a week. So speeding through a construction zone for one making minimum wage is a very stiff penalty. Then I thought about how that amount to those making thousands a week is probably considered nothing to them.
Is it equality that to one the fine can severely hurt, but to the other it has no affect?
Please feel free to share your thoughts.
Comments (16)
hm… I like your thinking. it’s definitely not a fair system. maybe the fines should be a certain percentage of your income, rather than a flat fee, kind of like with paying taxes? it would probably deter people from abusing the system. I know so many people that get tickets and don’t care because it’s just a small chunk of change for them, but for others, it could be the difference of having enough grocery money for the month, or paying rent, electric bill, etc.
this is not the wolrd of its all right — it is the world of there must be something wrong
@Love_in_102 - Exactly, I agree it should be based upon your income, in that way it would be just. Thank you for your visit and your comment, they are appreciated.
@eshunt@revelife - That is for sure! Thanks Bro Hunt
It’s completely fair, considering that it’s not going to make much of a difference to the construction worker who gets killed by a speeder how rich they are. The bigger issue is protecting the construction workers from dangerous drivers, and a stiff fine for putting their lives in danger makes the point. Don’t do the crime if you can’t pay the fine.
You said it is a $200 minimum fine. Minimum. That means the judge has the discretion to fine a poor person $200 and a rich person $1000. In this case, it’s a fair system.
I think Rick has nailed it…….
dont speed….be no trouble with it lol
Maybe the sign should have read, “Minimum fine, one week’s wages”
Here’s what the sign should read,
“SCREWING UP HERE WILL COST YOU ONE WEEK’S PAY”
I rather like what Aloysius and Imnotuglyjustneedlove is suggesting because then it would balance out. Due to the fact that fair is different for everyone, the punishment to a poor person would have to parallel to that of a rich person’s. Life sentencing and being put on the electric chair is standard for everyone because the punishment/ result is the same – death and spending the rest of your life in jail. In terms of money, a poor worker’s 200 dollars may equal to paying rent/mortgage and other utility dues. Punishment to rich people should obtain the same result, utilities and the amount they are spending on cars or what not. Fairness should always be adjusted to circumstances.
@SlickRick297 - I believe that the fine is minimum 200 then they add on according to MPH over the speed limit. My personal opinion is it does slow those down that can’t afford the fine, but has little affect upon those who can. Thank you for your visit and comment, they are appreciated.
@alterb4ego - I agree Crystal; it is all about the safety of the construction worker. My opinion is that those that have the money do not fear the fine so it doesn’t hinder their speeding.
@pa1ndpo3t - That is what removes all problems with the fines and the legal system, if we don’t break the rules we don’t have any problems. Thank you for your visit and comment, they are appreciated.
@Aloysius_son - I think that would be the most just way, very few are willing to break the law if it costs them a weeks pay. Thank you for the visit and the comment, they are appreciated.
@ImNotUglyIJustNeedLove - I think that would scare straight most people Bro Hunt. Thank you!
@Tooty_fruits - “Fairness should always be adjusted to circumstances”. I agree with that statement! Justice is when both the rich man and the poor suffer the same amount. Thank you for your visit and comment, they are appreciated.