On Thu, 11 Jul 1996, David Schwarze wrote:

> At 12:23 PM 7/11/96, Ed McMullin wrote:
> >>generators soon. Maybe we should start destroying old cars, then we might
> >>feel better about Witbank (wry grin, with a tear)
>
> > (From Ron Lussier, I think)
> >I have to agree with you entirely here.  We *do* need better public transit
> >systems, and we *should* start destroying old cars (or forcing them to
> >upgrade to new engines.)
>
> Good thing that will never happen.  As the old saying goes, I'll stop
> driving my bus when they pry my cold, dead hands from the steering wheel.
> Part of the American ethic is the government not being able to force me to
> give up my car  when I bought it and cared for it legally.

It's not just an ethic, it's enshrined in the Constitution.  No ex post
facto laws.  Ever.  The government cannot make a car meet standards
enacted after it was manufactured.  You are only required to obey laws
*after* they are passed and signed.

                           H Steven Dolan
                           Alexandria, VA

"What part of "shall make no law" didn't you understand?