Why do we have seat belt laws?  

If you think it's because our government wants to keep us safe, think again. 

We have seat belt laws simply because people with money wanted us to have seat belt laws.  They lobbied for it, they pushed for it, and they eventually got it.  And if you look closely, you'll find that many other laws are on the books simply because insurance companies wanted them there.

Are seat belts a good thing?  Sure.  Statistics have shown us time and time again that properly worn seat belts reduce the chance of injury and save lives.  But a law?  Why a law?  Because it saves the insurance companies money if we get hurt less, and it gives them a reason NOT to pay for injuries if seat belts are not worn.

I am proud to say that in my entire time serving as sheriff I never issued a seatbelt citation, and neither did any of my men.  We talked to the people about wearing seat belts; we encouraged them to be safe, especially where children were concerned.  But we could not in clear conscience enforce a law which violated the personal freedoms of the people, and thereby the principles of the constitution!

I'm not saying that we should all refuse to wear seat belts.  The issue is not whether or not it's a good idea.  The real danger here is that when we allow government to enforce these kinds of laws, we are surrendering our ability to think and act for ourselves.