Bobby Franklin: Let’s do away with driver’s licenses
The Lone Ranger rides again.
State Rep. Bobby Franklin, R-Marietta, has discovered a way to end the fractious debate over whether illegal immigrants should be able to have driver’s licenses.
Or 12-year-olds, for that matter. Just do away with the troublesome documents.
State Rep. Bobby Franklin, R-Marietta, in a 2008 photo mocking his colleagues’ observation that he’s often the “Lone Ranger” on issues championed by his bills. Elissa Eubanks, eeubanks@ajc.com
Sandra Parrish with AM750 and now 95.5FM News/Talk WSB talked to Franklin about his bill this morning. Listen to the conversation here.
Likewise, CBS Atlanta today gave some noon air time to the – let’s admit – unusual legislation. Video is now online, but here’s what’s posted about Franklin’s “Right to Travel Act:”
CBS Atlanta’s Rebekka Schramm asked Franklin, “How are we going to keep up with who’s who and who’s on the roads and who’s not supposed to be on the roads?”
“That’s a great question,” Franklin said. “And I would have to answer that with a question, ‘Why do you need to know who’s who?’”
“What about 12-14-year-olds who want to drive? What would stop them?” Schramm asked.
“Well, what’s stopping them now anyway?” Franklin answered.
Let us answer Franklin’s question right away: Millions of parents are stopping them, in the name of a law that’s unlikely to change anytime soon. Another roadblock: The constant fatalities, including this morning’s death of a “HERO” unit operator, that remind us that driving is serious business.
So it’s likely that we’ll continue to be burdened with driver’s licenses, despite the lawmaker’s contention that the right to burn unleaded dates back to King John. From Franklin’s HB 7:
In England in 1215, the right to travel was enshrined in Article 42 of Magna Carta: It shall be lawful to any person, for the future, to go out of our kingdom, and to return, safely and securely, by land or by water, saving his allegiance to us, unless it be in time of war, for some short space, for the common good of the kingdom: excepting prisoners and outlaws, according to the laws of the land, and of the people of the nation at war against us, and Merchants who shall be treated as it is said above.
Franklin has a concept of limited government that may sound strange to some. He has already introduced legislation demanding that state transactions be conducted in gold or silver. Franklin regularly attempts to define abortion as murder through legislation filed each year.
His answer to the debate over gay marriage? What business does the government have saying who should wed who? But that hasn’t made it into a bill. Not yet.
Addendum: Before the House adjourned today, the chamber took up the matter of the Senate’s override of Gov. Sonny Perdue’s veto of last year’s zero-based budgeting bill. House Speaker David Ralston sent the Senate’s veto message to a committee, where it will most certainly perish.
But state Rep. Bobby Franklin challenged the speaker’s ruling. The state constitution required that the House tackle the question of the veto immediately – on the floor. The vote upholding the speaker’s ruling was 164 to 1.
The Lone Ranger had struck yet again.
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
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251 comments Add your comment
Al Osmann
January 31st, 2011
2:00 pm
I wonder if he is related to Representative Louie Gohmert?
pb
January 31st, 2011
2:00 pm
Who elected this nitwit? People from Marietta, GA? If so, they should vote him out. Was no one better running against him? It is OK to question government authority, but certain things need to be regulated, obviously. If he cannot come up with answer better than his to this problem,and waste the legislature’s time with it, he needs to be sent back home.
J
January 31st, 2011
2:00 pm
Wow. Idiotic.
He is spot on about gay marriage though.
FedUp
January 31st, 2011
2:01 pm
Yeah, let’s just let anyone drive. Let’s let anyone buy alcohol too! Let’s let everyone drive without a tag too! As a matter of fact, let’s just do what the hell we want! Is this what we elect people to do? come up with STUPID ideas. Whey don’t they work on eliminating the State Income Tax and save the HOPE fund? What about speeding up the road work. They have been paving the road I live off for 2 years! Are they getting paid by the hour?
Stupidity reigns for sure!
Arlo
January 31st, 2011
2:02 pm
While we’re at it, who does the government think they are by telling me I have to have a license to practice medicine, own a business, hunt or fish, operate a day care, practice law or carry a gun in my pocket?
Brain Serjery $7.00…
Brogen's
January 31st, 2011
2:02 pm
This would be a great change to help Georgia’s football team stay out of trouble.
The Brutal Truth
January 31st, 2011
2:02 pm
What business does the government have saying {insert issue here}. Wow, I like this guy!
Stupid
January 31st, 2011
2:04 pm
Why don’t we just get rid of the State legislation and let the people decide on what to do, when they want to do it. That includes paying taxes, county property tax, sending their kids to school, buying alcohol, driving, rioting, protesting, stealing, whatever. Let’s just do whatever we want, when we want to.
DMC
January 31st, 2011
2:04 pm
What an IDIOT!!
Voter
January 31st, 2011
2:05 pm
Why don’t our State Reps. try working on real issues, like unemployment, new jobs, less taxes, immigration, etc.etc. Instead of inventing new things to cause more issues. STOP TRYING TO REINVENT MORE PROBLEMS AND FIX WHAT YOU’VE GOT!!!!!!!!
TallaDawg
January 31st, 2011
2:06 pm
By Mr. Franklin’s logic, why is it up to the gov’t to tell individuals who we can a cannot kill? If you want to live, defend yourself; build a fort.
Government is the system and rules by which we all agree to play so that we all are safer and/or happier. It is not perfect by any stretch, but government is not the enemy. Under-educated voters (I know many college-degreed voters who do not know the differecne between the state and federal governments) and corporations with constitutional rights are the problem.
LydiasDad
January 31st, 2011
2:06 pm
He’s not a Republican. He’s an Idiot.
Are You Kidding?
January 31st, 2011
2:06 pm
I would wear a mask too if I came up with stupid ideas like this!
Why do pilots need a license. Why can’t anyone just jump on a plane and fly it?
Julio
January 31st, 2011
2:07 pm
Why is this FOOL getting any press. He is an embrassment.
Come on Man
January 31st, 2011
2:08 pm
Welcome to the new Mexico!
You fix what is broke and the drivers license system isn’t broke. Most other countries require you to have your passport or other paperwork on you when you travel abroad. Why is the USA any different. Surely this article was written to get a rise out of people.
Masters Degree
January 31st, 2011
2:09 pm
I actually agree with making thie Private.
I spoke with my Tax Commissioner last night and Henry county gets nearly 200 million dolars in car tag revenue. They complain about cuts when the average joe business will have to make changes and make due. GET RID OF THEM.
Tom
January 31st, 2011
2:11 pm
He is a REAL IDIOT, not much difference between him and that weasel-looking Democrat from NY(can’t remember his name). How voters would elect either one of them is crazy! And they are not either one from California either??
Mary
January 31st, 2011
2:11 pm
Ok this is the stupidest thing I ever heard of. I think there are more important issues that need to be taken up. Who keeps putting this jerk back into office ???
atlwolf
January 31st, 2011
2:11 pm
Seriously? This is one of the stupidest ideas I’ve ever heard. Anyone who drives in Atlanta knows there are already a bunch of numbnuts out there who have no clue how to drive, yet somehow passed the test. Can you imagine how bad it would be if all the people who failed were allowed to drive anyway? I don’t want to find out.
As far as the illegals are concerned, just make the test in English only. Having the test in every conceivable language only gives them another excuse not to learn English. Besides, all of those traffic signs that they must obey while driving? Yep, they’re all in English. It’s time to stop pampering these lawbreakers and let them wake up and smell America, where you must know English to get ahead.
mike
January 31st, 2011
2:12 pm
Why do we elect these people who supposedly represent our views, but fail, in their short legislative calendar, to concentrate on real issues? In states with true vision and leadership, the legislature is in session year round and they take their responsibilities seriously. No wonder Georgia is considered a backwater state!
David
January 31st, 2011
2:13 pm
I am all about small government, but the reality is that my measuring stick is the Constition of the United States and since it is the Governmnet (Public) who are building the roads, and maintaining the roads, and not a private entity then the Government should licence those (if it sees fit) who drive cars, they can also mandate the safety features of cars on those roads. Now if you had a private road (Think NASCAR) or your own land that was private I don’t believe that a licence or government madates on safty features would apply.
Tom
January 31st, 2011
2:13 pm
What a moron.
Lisa M.
January 31st, 2011
2:14 pm
What a complete fool and a waste of taxpayer’s money. He has nothing more pressing to do than to raise frivolous, idiotic legislation? I hope his constitutents read this article and vote him out during the next election.
BDavis
January 31st, 2011
2:15 pm
Bobby Franklin is an idiot!!!
Political Mongrel
January 31st, 2011
2:16 pm
Sounds to me like Mr. Franklin is basically an Anarchist, new-style.
ATL
January 31st, 2011
2:21 pm
How do we get stuck with such loony legislators? Instead of fringe-dwellers with crazy hangups pushing stunt bills that have zero chance of making it into law– and that would be bad for Georgia if they did pass– we need grownups who take Georgia’s future seriously. Reality-based governance would be so refreshing.
deegee
January 31st, 2011
2:21 pm
I don’t see anything wrong with requiring drivers licenses. I do have an objection to using them as the defacto national ID card. A drivers license should only be relevant to the operation of an automobile.
I would rather have a tamper proof national ID card issued to everyone that is born here or comes here legally. Wouldn’t that go a long way in resolving the problem that employers face in determining who is legally eligible to work?
Sally
January 31st, 2011
2:22 pm
Doing away with DL’s isn’t about driving actually, it is about control. The government wants to control virtually every aspect of your lives. Do you know why they don’t want you to smile now when you get your DL picture taken? It is so they can better use your image for the facial recognition programs on camera systems. Michael @ January 31st, 2011 1:34 pm, your concern over the tracking chip is already here, not in GA DL’s yet but already in the new passports and some credit cards. Hint: A hole drilled in the center of the chip effectively kills it. I could go on but if you are listening, I’m preaching to the choir and if you are not then I’m wasting my breath. Have a nice day.
d
January 31st, 2011
2:23 pm
Hows this for fiscal responsibility…fire this guy
ml
January 31st, 2011
2:23 pm
do away with state governments! what a redundant waste of money. ‘hey y’all why don’t we add more politicians to the equation, to the mix, that oughta make things better’ MORON! screw states rights, the states are a bunch of idiots, especially in the bible belt where thinking comes from the devil himself. have specific laws for specific needs, if necessary. like something pertinent to the brown thrasher, maybe. but all alcohol laws, all theft, murder, etc. laws and sentencing, all traffic laws, and so many others should be the same across the damn country. kind like a sane person do it. we don’t need another layer of politicians. from ANY party. why? cause they’re politicians, stupid! all they’ll do is screw things up more and have to get paid for it. state governments are a waste of time and money. even if you have been told to be so afraid of the word socialism by your minders that you wet pants, this country should be UNITED. i’m just glad i had no part in bringing mccarthyism back.
lori
January 31st, 2011
2:24 pm
I’m sure he’d think differently if some 12 year old driver plowed down his kid on the interstate!
Jerome
January 31st, 2011
2:25 pm
For all you that think this state is backwards. There are several interstates that lead OUT of the state. Pack your S**t and leave!!!
Rod
January 31st, 2011
2:26 pm
Let’s go with the smaller government – and get him out of office.
He shouldn’t be replaced. Those idiots that elected him will vote in someone else just like him.
d
January 31st, 2011
2:26 pm
what we need to have him talk about is the fees and services the DMV is bleeding the public for..what they need to be doing is lowering auto insurance…what they need to be doing is reducing auto taxes…then maybe he’ll have some use…maybe..
globeflyer
January 31st, 2011
2:27 pm
Licenses??? It’s all about money. The bureaucrats need the money to pass the laws to ever enlarge our government! No kid should be driving before 18 anyway. I’ve seen too many of them “unwrapped” from around trees and telephone/power poles. But just the same, it’s all about money…..
Chuck
January 31st, 2011
2:27 pm
Driving is not a right. It’s a priviledge. With that priviledge comes responsibilities–obey the speed limits, drive on the right side of the road, stop at red lights, wear your seat belt, carry the proper insurance, etc.
If we do away with drivers’ licenses, will we do away with all of the other laws that govern automobiles and driving?
Ima Moron
January 31st, 2011
2:27 pm
Where and how do these morons get into office? Oh, I forgot-Cobb Co morons voted him into office!!!
what a fine state of denial we live in
January 31st, 2011
2:28 pm
Franklin is an absolute joke!!! His election says a lot about the voters in Marietta. God help us.
DHD
January 31st, 2011
2:28 pm
How can you call him a “typical Republican?” That shows just how ignorant you are. That is typical.
Inman Park
January 31st, 2011
2:29 pm
Well, every august body needs a way to eliminate waste.
greg
January 31st, 2011
2:29 pm
Franklin,
If you want to drive without a license, you can – on PRIVATE PROPERTY….
If you want to drive on Government roads, then you must have a Government issued License…
OllieUmpFree_NothingsFree
January 31st, 2011
2:30 pm
Of course Franklin is an ‘idiot’, except he’s not. His constituents? Yes, idiots. They vote him him. That said, does the bill deserve merit or consideration? Yes, to a degree. Illegals drive. Those without licenses drive. Kids drive. IF, and a big IF, they are obeying traffic laws, I don’t care if you have a license or not. Driving is a privilege? No, I pay taxes for the roads. It is a taxed right.
Judie B
January 31st, 2011
2:31 pm
Again he shows what a moron he really is
BOYCOTT BP
January 31st, 2011
2:31 pm
What a nut job…
Curtis
January 31st, 2011
2:32 pm
Something everyone needs to read…
http://www.apfn.org/apfn/travel.htm
Judie B
January 31st, 2011
2:34 pm
And, who the hell voted for him?
Turning Georgia Blue
January 31st, 2011
2:35 pm
Where are the J.O.B.S.?
Enough with all of this Tea Party nonsense. Despite what people claim and despite their continued votes for Republicans, people still want government to do certain things and do them well.
Public safety is one of those things. Creating jobs or a business climate that produces jobs is another. Sooner or later the party in charge is going to have to do these and other things.
I think too many people believe the 2010 election results meant that people wanted rugged individualism and everyone for himself while dismantling government and enriching political donors.
WRONG!
Y’all don’t act all surprised when Obama wins Georgia and the Republican-Tea-Libertarian types begin their fade into permanent political minority. It’s not too late for them to do the right things, but as this shows, they and their comment-writing sycophants confirm, they don’t really care about anything much beyond their anger much less doing right by the people of this state.
To be fair
January 31st, 2011
2:36 pm
The guy was just being a smart a##, and the reporters took this as what he said?
The guy is, to be sure, two fries short of a happy meal.
But if somebody is answering a question with a question, obviously you can’t quote that.
Reporter: Mr. Franklin, is the sky blue?
Franklin: Let me ask you a question, do colors really exist? And is what my eyes perceive as blue, the same as what you see? So if the sky really is green, but you call it blue, does it matter?
Reporter: So then you are on the record as saying the sky is not blue?
Franklin: Well, how do you define “is”?
And so Franklin goes on record as believing the sky is green.
Chuck H
January 31st, 2011
2:39 pm
Mr. Galloway: to group gay civil rights along with this banter about frivolous aspects of Mr. Franklin’s thoughts on drivers’ licenses and precious metals as a currency was irresponsible reporting. You should not have made this analogy, as there was no common ground to make, unless of course you’re trivializing gay’s right to marry. “Gay Marriage”, which should be rewritten as same-sex marriage, which the heart of the matter is domestic partnership (same or other sexed), is not a trivial issue. I’m offended that you would include this analogy in your article today.
Dawg On It
January 31st, 2011
2:39 pm
is he in the Tea Party?