Senators Urge Phonemakers to Ban DUI Checkpoint Apps

Just another example of how business often comes before morality. Knowing the tragedy that has been caused in many lives by drunk driving, would anyone here defend PhantomALERT?

But this points to a much larger issue. It is certainly not new. There have been police radar detection devices for a long time. These things don't exist in a vacuum. Without a market there would be no products like this.

It is often said, "You can't legislate morality." But come on. The whole judicial system is based on somebody thinking somebody else did something "wrong." And laws are, pretty much a definition of "wrong" -- boundaries of behavior, whether it be individual behavior or organizational behavior. Laws are a codification of morality. Saying you can't legislate morality is really, a VERY sad commentary on human beings, as a whole. It's the recognition, that a large enough percentage of us will, if given the chance, act outside these boundaries.

No one would argue that some boundaries border on the absurd. That's the fault of the lawmakers and their cohorts. And they do have cohorts. Most business laws in the modern era have been drafted by the businesses who will be governed by the law. And even when they are not, they are often given a seat at the table. They make sure that the final legislation will be less stringent than what was first proposed. The above example shows why this isn't the ideal. Ideals? Geez, who cares about ideals anymore? Was the average Joe being considered when credit card companies can "legally" jump your interest rate to absurd levels just because of one late payment?? And it doesn't even have to be on your account with them. It might be another account you have that precipitates it.

It is huge irony, that in a society where individual freedom is given so much lip service, government mostly operates in a closed loop with the public largely ignored. I applaud the Senators for bringing this particular issue to the attention of the companies, whose products are platforms for what, in this instance, most people would consider, irresponsible products.

Ultimately, it's about consideration for others -- a Golden Rule issue. Individual freedom has been taken way too far, to the point that consideration for others, is seen as limiting "my" individual freedom.

A simple example is in almost every grocery store. The "Express Lanes" for people with 10 items or less are there to show the establishment's "consideration" for people who only need a few items, so they won't have to wait in a long line to check out. I have often seen this abused when a store is particularly busy and there are enough impatient people with a lot of items, who still insist that they shouldn't have to wait in line. (I recently told the checker in the lane I was in that it was unfair to all the people who had stacked up with their "few" items while he had just checked out a person with, easily, 40-50 items. His response... "Store policy is, once they put their items on the conveyor, I have to check them out!) And usually, it's the store's fault for not having enough checkers at regular stands. More than a few times, I have found the store manager in such situations and asked if more registers couldn't be opened until the busy time was over. And most times, they respond. But look at the situation. The store manager is somehow being oblivious to the situation and the impatient customers, now feel they are within their "rights" to abuse the Express Lanes. A plain lack of consideration on all sides.

Other examples? Speed limits are there to be "fudged." Set your cruise control a few MPH beyond the speed limit and you'll "get away with it." I'm sure if you think about it you can add to the list of these "minor" infractions.

Now, I don't put the grocery store issue high on my list of things to correct in this world. But the point is, as a society, we don't seem to give much thought to consideration of others. Too often, we think mostly of "What's in it for me?" As someone born in the early '50's, I do think our society has deteriorated in this regard.

What's the big deal? Around here, they tie the hands of the police. The laws require that they announce where and when they will do them !! There is even an opportunity to turn around and go the other direction. You know what? They STILL catch drunks. Drinking must make some people REALLY stupid.

Pull them Apple. I'm honestly surprised they were allowed in the first place...

I think Apple should be allowed. Its legal for the public to be notified and be aware of when DUI checkpoints will be held, I think due to unreasonable search and seizure laws.

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