One of the most obnoxious trends lately is the leveraging of government force to pad the pockets of private businesses.
Obamacare is perhaps the most grotesque example (pssst... you don’t get “free” or even “reduced cost” medical care; you are forced to buy an insurance policy, and that is something quite different) but it’s becoming SOP – standard operating procedure – in terminal stage America.
Here’s another example: The Automotive Service Association – which is the lobby for repair shops (yes, they have a lobby, too) is pushing with all its might for a nationwide car “safety inspection” mandate (see here).
At the moment, a majority of states have done away with these – or never had them. Only 11 states currently have a mandatory (annual or semi-annual) inspection requirement.
ASA croons that it’s all about “safety.” They care, you see. And of course, they do… just about something else.
Ka-ching.
That’s the sound of the money they will be able to extort from people – who (if the ASA is successful) will be forced – let’s not mince words – to turn over their cars once a year for an “inspection,” which won’t be free. It is big business. And it’s not just the money that will be filched for the stickers. The really big money comes from the repairs – parts and labor – that will be drummed up.
That is one obvious objection to this shakedown – and that’s exactly what it is. If you are forced to bring your car in for an “inspection” – and you know going in that the shop will immediately scrape off the sticker you must have to legally drive the car, it will be hard to say no to any proposed repair.
The car may need new brakes or tires. But then again, it may not. Getting a second opinion becomes onerous given the pressure to have that sticker on the windshield.
You are under duress – just as you are when you go shopping for car insurance (and now, health insurance).
ASA presumes all shops are honest (and competent) but that’s like saying all doctors and lawyers are competent and honest. Who thinks so? But we’re not (yet) forced to deal with doctors (whoops, take that one back)… or at least, not lawyers (yet).
