Letter From R. Scott Duncan

Time For Sanctuary Against DMV

Let’s make Otsego an “Automobile Sanctuary County.”

There is just too much government interference in owning and driving a car. It costs thousands of dollars a year to keep a car moving. Don’t I have some Constitutional rights?

The first step is paying for a learner’s permit. Then you have to pay someone to teach you to drive. Don’t forget to pick up the driving manual that you need so you can learn all about driving. Then you need to take a test. If you pass, you then are obligated to pay for the license.

And not once, but every four years, you pay again, and again and you also have to take an eye exam each time.

Now I have to find a car. That costs money and then the government charges tax on top of the car costs.

If you need a car loan, you will have to pay an interest for the use of that money. You can’t just walk
in and buy a car. You have to play this game about prices and options. Some options you have to pay for because it is the law.

Oh, and don’t forget there is also a registration fee for the car so you can get a license plate. Then every year there is the inspection fee to make sure the car is in good working order.

Then they say you have to have insurance. More money. They make you get insurance. Not once, but every year you have to pay. The government tells what insurance you must get.

If that is not enough the Department of Motor Vehicles sneaks another fee into the insurance policy: “DMV fee, $10.” Didn’t I already pay them for the registration and my license?

Last but not least you need gas plus tax on that. Repairs, tax on that. Then all these rules for driving and fines if you make a mistake!

Gun owners have it easy: a background check, one course on hunting, one course for a pistol permit. A couple of small fees. And that is it for the rest of your life. No more fees, no insurance, no more tests. You got your license.

The Constitution does not give us any rights for driving a car. We are hit by taxes multiple times. And rules…don’t get me started…

It is time we made Otsego County an “Auto Sanctuary.”

R. SCOTT DUNCAN
Hartwick Forrest