GOOD INTENTIONS

As we have suggested, the safest and lowest-crime society is one in
which police have free reign to stop and check anyone, without cause,
and one in which the government is all-knowing and all-seeing. Few of
us would ever know harm, physically.

Such a society would be one rooted in good intentions - reducing
illegal drug trade, making sure we wear seat belts, randomly checking
for drunken drivers, catching speeders and red-light runners.

Who could be against such measures that protect us from others and
from ourselves?

Indeed, the intent is admirable. The method is scary.

Consider: The Indiana Senate now has a bill that would allow cities to
install traffic cameras that photograph license plates when motorists go
through intersections against a red light. The pictures would be used to
mail tickets to vehicle owners.

The Associated Press said supporters praised the measure as a
high-tech means of enforcing often-ignored traffic rules. One
supporter was quoted as saying the cameras would not be used to play
"Big Brother."

That reminded us of a report last year about the Indiana Department of
Transportation planning to install video surveillance cameras along
highways in Lake County, to observe and approve traffic flow. A
highway official then cautioned that this was not "Big Brother."

Of course is isn't, and neither is the current legislation. It is just
a well-intended plan that should give us all pause.