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
Kinsi
January 31st, 2011
12:52 pm
Well, he’s consistent in his beliefs, I’ll give him that.
Gerry
January 31st, 2011
12:53 pm
He has a point. Nothing is stopping illegals from driving today. They do it anyway.
Give me a Break!
January 31st, 2011
12:57 pm
Sure we have a right to travel — but operating a motor vehicle isn’t a right, it’s a privilege. By this guy’s warped way of thinking, anybody should be able to fly a plane or drive a school bus or….
And people wonder why Georgia can be such a laughingstock. Wait til John Stewart or Colbert get hold of this! (Maybe that’s the whole idea for Franklin, getting attention!)
Dave
January 31st, 2011
1:07 pm
Scary, but he’s right about the gay marriage thing.
northern neighbor
January 31st, 2011
1:08 pm
There is a law that requires insurance on a vehicle. The vehicle owner being liable for the consequences. It is safe to assume that responsible car owners are keeping 14 year olds from driving.
Maybe we should get the state out of the business of issuing driver’s licenses and let insurance companies issue them. The insurance companies may do a better job of keeping unsafe drivers off the road.
Truth
January 31st, 2011
1:11 pm
And make the driving test in ENGLISH ONLY!!!!!! Not in every other language on earth. ENGLISH is what is spoken here in America.
Jeff Sexton
January 31st, 2011
1:12 pm
Mr. Galloway,
A Bobby Franklin bill that was prefiled two months ago is worthy of attention NOW, when we’ve got the likes of HB 87 already filed and the Big Brother Rx (Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Act) expected to be filed this week?
The Snark
January 31st, 2011
1:14 pm
I agree with Franklin. Who needs the welfare nanny state to tell us who can and can’t drive? Like those elite politicians in Atlanta know better than we do! Let the market decide! Plus, by laying off all those wasteful, inefficient, Union-sympathizing bureacrats at the DMV, we can cut our pension liabilities and afford more tax cuts!
[Sorry, too much Kool-Aid this morning.]
Wes
January 31st, 2011
1:14 pm
If this guy is always submitting unusual legislation that no one supports, then it’s a waste of time and taxpayer’s money.
Tom
January 31st, 2011
1:16 pm
AND WE HAVE IDIOTS LIKE THIS PASSING LAWS WE ARE TO OBEY?
rxdawg
January 31st, 2011
1:18 pm
give me a break – anyone CAN fly a plane (unless you mean a commercial jet) and if so, you are citing examples of jobs, not something that would be considered “freedom of movement”. What he argues makes sense, though it would make the road scarier. Why do we have these rules set up the way they are to get licenses? Does anyone think that a certain number of supervised hours behind the wheel make a teenager any safer when they aren’t supervised? Is there a big difference between a 15-1/2 year old and a 16 year old? 17 year old? I think the biggest problem we have is the arbitrary nature of our laws. Why is the voting age 18, but drinking age 21? We entrust the future of our nation to a group we as a state don’t even think is smart enough to responsibly drink? Come on…at least admit the guy has a point.
Les Nesman
January 31st, 2011
1:19 pm
Bobby Franklin is an idiot. Vote him out of office. He is wasting the time and money of the state of Georgia.
Anne
January 31st, 2011
1:22 pm
Who in the world voted this nut-job into office?
What a time and energy waster! I am betting he could not get, or hold a job, with this kind of lunitic thought process.
three jack
January 31st, 2011
1:22 pm
when is the burn your driver’s license protest scheduled?
hmmmmm
January 31st, 2011
1:25 pm
Interesting concept…although he failed to read the last part of the article 42 “according to the laws of the land”. He’s assuming there are no laws..
With regards to Marriage – Government has no business licensing a marriage. What Gov’t can do is license a legal partnership just like they do in civil courts for businesses and entities. A household can be an entity and one can register who is part of the entity. Let people’s religious beliefs and institutiones determine what a “marriage” is or isn’t, not the government.
jw
January 31st, 2011
1:27 pm
Talk about selling your soul to the devil for your 15 minutes of fame each year! To think his district puts up with these shenanigans is beyond belief!
john
January 31st, 2011
1:27 pm
Ahaa—come on folks. Its a joke. Its an extreme way to show it but he’s still correct.
Joel
January 31st, 2011
1:28 pm
What’s sad is that people actually vote this assclown into office.
WILLIAM
January 31st, 2011
1:29 pm
What a terrible idea, driving is a privileged, what do we do with those drivers who continually drink and drive, the ones who kill members of your family, sure they drive now anyway, but we have a way to track then, hopefully prosecute them. What do you do with all of those non-drivers who continually violate the laws, suspended license now gets you a trip to jail, pass the bill for no license and well just do what you want. A drivers license is no issue for law abiding people, for criminals , why not just give them another advantage or a way to get away with victimizing the public, don’t need license, why insurance then, let the law abiding once again pay for the crooks out there.. that man has bumped his head.
Michael
January 31st, 2011
1:30 pm
That “driving is a privilege” is just government brain washing. So, the government has granted us “the privilege” to borrow $20k to buy a car, then insure it for another grand per year, and then drive within its speed limits, with current stickers, with ad valorem taxed license plates, with our tag lights operating, and our seat belts on or else it will tax us $200 per violation.
It doesn’t make a real difference, but maybe we have a privilege to drive on government built roads.
peter
January 31st, 2011
1:31 pm
Typical Republican….Clown like the Governor, former governor, and all the rest that run this behind state of dumb A$$es.
AU Liberal in ATL
January 31st, 2011
1:33 pm
Who’s the biggest idiot, this moron or Paul Broun?
Michael
January 31st, 2011
1:34 pm
And I’m not doing anything but I hate that I am being tracked by my cellphone, the traffic camera, the downtown camera, the gas station camera, my IP address and my debit card swipes. Maybe I don’t want anyone to know that I’m not doing anything. So when are they going to put the tracking chip in my drivers license?
Toby Saunders
January 31st, 2011
1:35 pm
Civil libertarianism is moral but it is possible to take it too far: e.g. “you can go into whomever’s house you want whenever” or “no driver’s licences are needed” or “a business owner can prevent a particular racial group from using the business”. The reason driver’s licences are needed is because they are proof that we know how to drive; it’s a public safety issue, clearly… it is a self-defense mechanism for the public by the government (of & for the people).
On that gold & silver based economy note: that method of economy was what we had in the US before the Great Depression… that economic format is not complex enough to deal with the complex nature of modern economics & is bound to lead to demise. Granted, it may seem reasonable on a gut-level but modern economics is very brainy, i.e. we need complex systems to properly govern complex economies (instead of relying on simple old-fashioned formats which may make you feel ‘warm & fuzzy’ but which in the end are only that).
Finally, abortion is murder but fetuses don’t have fully developed central nervous systems: we make the moral choice of making the complex consciousness of the mother paramount to the lower consciousness of the fetus. Pigs are conscious like four year old children are: killing them for food should be illegal for the same reason killing fetuses or children for food should be.
prof
January 31st, 2011
1:35 pm
@northern neighbor, I think you might be on to something. Let the insurance companies issue the driver’s licenses! They should know best about who is and who is not a good driver. The state could regulate it, but get rid of the horrid DMV anyway. They are the epitome of gov’t waste and most of the employees are rude and uninterested in helping “customers” anyway. I’m sure the insurance companies, as businesses, would find the most economical and efficient way to license drivers.
Travis McGee
January 31st, 2011
1:35 pm
When Bobby Franklin opens his mouth with this nonsense, he should be embarrassed. But the people who voted him into office should wear a sack over their heads — too embarrassed to show their faces.
Alabama Communist
January 31st, 2011
1:35 pm
Poor Bobby! Jesus has not renewed his Driver Licence, and he wants payback!
ant banks
January 31st, 2011
1:37 pm
is bobby franklin the problem or the constituents who keep votin’ him into office? dude has been off kilter for some times now. when will his constituents realize and quit votin’ him in office before one of his dumb bills passes and then folks will be marryin’ dogs, cows or whoever wants to marry what.
Robert
January 31st, 2011
1:37 pm
Holy crap. Time to change my party affiliation. No wonder this state stays stuck in the dark ages.
Dabo
January 31st, 2011
1:38 pm
Just another Marietta fruitcake….
MotherIrish
January 31st, 2011
1:38 pm
Guess who I am not voting for the next time he comes up for election. I have just had it with him and his brainless ideas. Yes, the illegals do drive, so do those who have had DUI’s and teens with out licenses, but when some one hits me, I want to know who. When I go to travel, I need to have a photo id and this is the best resource really that we have. If I go to a foreign country, I need to have a DL to prove I can rent a car and also in the other 49 states that he does not represent. Get real Bobby. Your time is limited in my book.
Journalism is Dead
January 31st, 2011
1:38 pm
So much for being a journalist there Jim…thanks for reminding me why the AJC is full of big government liberal whinings and has no journalistic integrity. What happened to reporting the facts and letting the readers decide for themselves??…I guess the liberals (and moral cruasading republicans) feel the sheeple must be spoonfed.
Here’s a wake up call for you Jim…laws are for HONEST people…rules written on a piece of paper do not stop anyone from doing anything.
Travis McGee
January 31st, 2011
1:38 pm
Without intending to, Bobby Franklin and Paul Broun may disprove the Theory of Evolution.
Libertarian
January 31st, 2011
1:39 pm
I’m all for living free, but who quotes the Magna Carta in this country? He might as well have been quoting Hammurabi’s code when asked about breast-feeding in public.
“If a man gives his child to a nurse and the child dies in her hands, but the nurse, unbeknown to the father and mother, nurses another child, then they shall convict her of having nursed another child without the knowledge of the father and mother and her breasts shall be cut off.”
Hasn’t aged well, has it?
Staci
January 31st, 2011
1:40 pm
I support laws to promote safety. Guidelines indicating who is safe to drive: reasonable. Based on logical, reliable methods of course. On the topic of marriage I think its the same. Laws should indicate who may get married. These laws protect children from being abused in the name of ‘marriage’ for example. But once people are eligible to get married (based on being of age and mentally capable of making decisions about their own life) then the govt should stay out of it.
kevin
January 31st, 2011
1:42 pm
In related news, GA legislators are considering passing a new law, aptly called “The Bobby Franklin”, which will make it mandatory for Bobby Franklin to carry around a new ID card specifying that he is a complete idiot.
Come on Man
January 31st, 2011
1:43 pm
Please, please, please, vote this idiot out of office.
dtboy
January 31st, 2011
1:46 pm
There’s a right to mobility, in terms of walking, running, etc., but not a right to drive. That is a privilege. The former doesn’t involve hazards to others.
jw
January 31st, 2011
1:46 pm
To: Journalism is Dead
Your buddy Jim, that you are after, didn’t imply anything one way or another – he opened the gates for discussion – just like you wanted. No big government liberals bending him in funny positions, just a bunch of country folks that decided to post our decisions. (You said we should get that opportunity). He reported the facts – one of our finest is introducing legislation to do away with a driver’s license – that’s not “Jim’s” fault –
Here’s a wake up call for you Journalism is Dead – read the article next time – he did everything you wanted him to do – now, go wrap up some fish and spread your toxic ink somewhere else!
memyself
January 31st, 2011
1:48 pm
Just think of the countless real life problems in this manfool’s district that he could have immediate effect on IF HE EVEN CARED. Instead, he spends hours thinking about and drafting up political nonsense just to get his uglee picture posted and his name in the news.
People ought to rise up and demand a recall on this walnut!
Country
January 31st, 2011
1:48 pm
This is Auuuhhhmerrikkahh! If you don’t like it…you can GiiiitttOUT!
Al Osmann
January 31st, 2011
1:49 pm
I guess they have solved all of our pressing problems and have a lot of spare time on their hands. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.
John Daly
January 31st, 2011
1:51 pm
What an a$$hat.
WHAAAAAT???
January 31st, 2011
1:51 pm
This guy is a joke of a politition.I’m totally against “Big Government” also,but come on!The people who voted this knucklehead into office need to be slapped and sterilized!!
MrHughes
January 31st, 2011
1:52 pm
Wow… So, glad I don’t live in Marietta. Say whatever you will about other legislators, whom one may not agree with politically. But, at least they take they jobs seriously. You should have a set of standards to determine who should and who should not operate a motor vehicle. You can easily kill yourself or someone else with a 3,000 pound car. That’s why driving is a privledge.
“The driving is a privledge” debate refers to a precendent set in English Common law where a gentleman lost control of his horse/carriage which ended up trampling and killing another man. If you want to engage in behaviors that are potentially a danger to others, then you have to ensure that folks actually know what they are doing and are responsible for the consquences of their actions. It’s not like you can hit the reset button and un-kill someone.
This would be great for criminals who are not in the system. Just give Bobby’s name and you’ll get off. He needs to have a couple felonies for his lack of judgement.
horse
January 31st, 2011
1:53 pm
Bobby Franklin bases all of his legislation on his Christian reconstructionist (aka Libertarian Theocrat) beliefs. This is just one of those that are popular with this crowd, borrowed from the “Patriot” militia movement.
light on policy
January 31st, 2011
1:53 pm
I would be interested to know if there is any empirical data that suggests the impact of this. If not,what does he propose would happen to the motor vehicle fatality rate if this was to happen? No system is perfect but “joking” when state revenues are down, unemployment is dismal and our education system, is bringing up the rear is the last thing we need to be doing.
Mike
January 31st, 2011
1:55 pm
Don’t you just love this state. They elected a crook for governor. There is another clown who wants to carry guns at the airport. You got more goobers suing the feds over health care which their own health care is provided by the feds. And now this moron with the no licenses. It is good to see these elected people do all they can except find a remedy why the state’s education system is at the bottom of the lists when compared to other states.
Kristopher
January 31st, 2011
1:56 pm
He’s an idiot. I wouldn’t vote for him simply because he’s wasting time bringing up stupid legislation. Glad he doesn’t represent me in the house.
Mike A.
January 31st, 2011
1:57 pm
For a second I though Cynthia McKinney was back, Instead it’s just some other knucklehead with a big mouth…
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?
cs
January 31st, 2011
2:39 pm
the right to burn unleaded dates back to King John
Das funny right there I dont care who you are.
Tweets that mention Bobby Franklin: Let's do away with driver's licenses | Political Insider -- Topsy.com
January 31st, 2011
2:40 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jim Galloway, William Borrelli. William Borrelli said: RT @politicalinsidr: Bobby Franklin: Let’s do away with driver’s licenses http://bit.ly/gMz86V [...]
d
January 31st, 2011
2:41 pm
@ To be fair…..hmm..the guy was being a smart a$$… on the publics dime and time?…in a time a time as critical as this? If hes color blind maybe he should drive..he cant distinguish the signs that way?
DannyX
January 31st, 2011
2:42 pm
This is all the fault of the gays. We told you this would happen.
We were very much against gays getting drivers licenses. We told you, and told you, giving gays the right to drive would one day lead to animals driving cars.
This bill opens the door for that. What is going to stop your dog from stealing the keys and taking a spin? NOTHING.
We told you so.
jeas3
January 31st, 2011
2:43 pm
@Truth – I think that what you meant to say was that English one of the languages that is spoken in America. America, as you will recall, is usually used to refer to either the landmasses of North and South America OR to the United States of America (our country). Assuming that you meant the USA, you would do well to remember that English is only one of many languages spoken here, the same as in many other countries throughout the world. One of the nice things about living here in the USA is of course our First Amendment guarantee to freedom of speech in all its forms – English and otherwise. Unlike other countries where I could be imprisoned for unpopular speech, here in the USA (the greatest country on Earth), I can call you an idiot without fearing reprisal (other than an uneducated, bigoted reprisal post of course). You’re an idiot. Have a nice day!
GApeach
January 31st, 2011
2:43 pm
I don’t understand why they are wasting there time one this “do away with licenses” bullsh*t. They should be discussing how to get our unemployment rate down to a normal percentage. How about stop talking about things that aren’t going to happy and get the Georgia people back to work!
Ken
January 31st, 2011
2:44 pm
Why aren’t you posting my comments?
Grant Park Diva
January 31st, 2011
2:45 pm
Wait, let me get this straight…
Dear Mr. Representative Franklin does not think it’s the government’s business to define marriage, but does think it’s the government’s business to define abortion?
This is the type of mentality that drove me out of Marietta- with a valid license, of course.
GApeach
January 31st, 2011
2:46 pm
I don’t understand why they are wasting there time one this “do away with licenses” bullsh*t. They should be discussing how to get our unemployment rate down to a normal percentage. How about stop talking about things that aren’t going to happen and get the Georgia people back to work!
matt
January 31st, 2011
2:46 pm
I like this guy. We need more libertarian minded politicials who don’t wake up in the morning with the goal of telling people what to do.
Ken
January 31st, 2011
2:49 pm
Was the driver of the truck towing a landscape trailer that hit and killed the HERO driver a licensed driver?
Ken
January 31st, 2011
2:49 pm
So you don’t allow “ILLEGAL”?
GApeach
January 31st, 2011
2:50 pm
@Ken more than likely it was an illegal immigrant. We have TOO many of those roaming around GA.
TrickleDownStupid
January 31st, 2011
2:51 pm
Bobby Franklin actaully has a lot in common with the people who elected him. They are the same people who voted for our current governor.
JRS
January 31st, 2011
2:51 pm
Who ELECTED this BOZO anyway?!
Hondo
January 31st, 2011
2:53 pm
He’s right. The government shouldn’t tell us who can or cannot drive. They do however have the right to tell us we cannot drive on a government funded and maintained road without a permit to do so. So let the 12 year olds & illegals drive all they want on their own front yards.
P.S: Is this guy related to Cynthia?
GApeach
January 31st, 2011
2:54 pm
@Hondo they do NOT have the right to tell us we can’t drive on the “government funded” roads! we paid for the roads!!
Just an Idiot
January 31st, 2011
2:58 pm
I’m a Republitarian but this is just plain stupid. Only thing that’s stupider is a Democrat.
A H Goldstein
January 31st, 2011
2:58 pm
This Character prooves one quack is as quacky as an other, both parties exhibit NUTS!
Bubba
January 31st, 2011
2:59 pm
Since we no longer have Lester Maddox or Roscoe Dean, Rep. Franklin provides our comic relief. On the other hand, he is a nut case and totally useless.
JDW
January 31st, 2011
2:59 pm
Should we really waste ink, virtual or not, by printing the ramblings of lunatics?
Will
January 31st, 2011
3:00 pm
HAHA, what a joke. Government officials never seize to amaze me. Hey buddy lets just get rid of social security cards as well. Nothing matters anymore, we have idiots that WE elect in to office.
A H Goldstein
January 31st, 2011
3:00 pm
Trickle down stupid! does this identify that you are a socialist democrat?
DannyX
January 31st, 2011
3:01 pm
Our state will tip over from the weight of all those extra cars on our roads driven by all the excited 12 year olds that will leave their state for the opportunity to get stuck in Atlanta traffic.
Will
January 31st, 2011
3:02 pm
Oh by the way , A H Goldstein I absolutely agree with your comment. Ha Great!
JT
January 31st, 2011
3:02 pm
This is a serious reason for voters to consider exactly WHO they are electing to office……amazing….
smokemonsterbrother
January 31st, 2011
3:02 pm
stupid idea by a stupid man
DannyX
January 31st, 2011
3:02 pm
This is what Roy Barnes was warning everyone about.
jdl2
January 31st, 2011
3:05 pm
So we’re firing teachers and stripping money from education, this is what happens. If he really cares so little about our money to put this sort of stupidity forward, he should be recalled. I’ll sign the petition if anybody has one started already.
luangtom
January 31st, 2011
3:06 pm
Interesting….I do agree that the way some Atlanta-area drivers perform makes it seem like they got their licenses from a box of CrackerJack. Little, if anything, taught in driver-training seems to be followed and practiced. Oh, wait, I forgot, lotsa drivers never took driver-training behind the wheel.
Rob
January 31st, 2011
3:09 pm
When will people be smart enough to kick these idiots out of office
Heavens to Murgatroid
January 31st, 2011
3:09 pm
There ARE some drunkards and drug users who stay off the roads because of the potential of winding up in jail. Licenses I presume are one way of keeping track of drivers.
Someone in another post compared this crackpottery to cynthia mckinney, good comparison.
What we don’t need now is a lack of (law and) order.
Because people choose NOT to obey laws is not a good reason not to have them.
Govt ID? I think as it is, it is ok, because I have to answer to the govt for a number of things, I think the govt IS responsible for enforcing some things they do not do.
I wish it were safe to give power back to the police to enforce, but then they often wind up abusing it.
Driving is dmn serious business. I can attest to having over ten years of my life ruined because of a cell phone busy driver. (constant pain, loss of work and all that entails)
Where do we dig up these people with crackpot ideas?
People rob banks and convenience stores, shall we do away with laws that forbid them to do that?
Freedom lover
January 31st, 2011
3:10 pm
Wow, a GA legislator with a clue. Who would have thought. The problem of course originates with the government monopoly on road construction and ownership. There is certainly no reason for the current way in which roads are handled except the need for power and control and a general disrepect for private property rights. Were roads owned and managed by private entities the state wouldn’t be able to just go where they want, when they want, ticket whomever they want for whatever trumped up reason they want, etc. For an outstanding evaluation of the alternatives to the current failed government model, check out “Privatization of Roads and Highways” by Walter Block. It will really give you something to think about.
But even with the current government monopoly, the government has absolutely NO incentive to care about who drives except as it serves them politically – can you say teen drivers? To them, every driver is just another source of revenue. They certainly don’t care about how unsafe the roads are, or the hazardous intersections that blanket this city, why would they REALLY care about safety. The INSURANCE companies on the other hand certainly do have a vested financial stake in safe driving. They are typically the ones most impacted by collisions. Were they to regulate who operated a vehicle, I can certainly say that the quality of driver’s ed would improve, the innovations in techology for keeping dangerous folks off the roads would improve, and overall there would finally be a true focus on safe operation of vehicles without the overburdening political motivations for control and revenue that currently direct government policy.
But Mr. Franklin should really take a look at Mr. Block’s book and make the bigger proposal to end government ownership and maintenance of the highways. We would all be better off and safer with such a move.
Practice what you preach
January 31st, 2011
3:11 pm
There should be limits on government.
Franklin can show that he truly believes that by resigning immediately and returning his paycheck to the State of Georgia.
Georgia state legislators make $17,342 per year plus a per diem of $173 per day.
bart
January 31st, 2011
3:12 pm
How does this clown get elected year after year? He is a joke and completely irrelelvant, so his constituents essentially have no representation. But…I guess they don’t care.
Down by the Tracks
January 31st, 2011
3:13 pm
We keep electing clowns like this, sending them to Atlanta and then wonder why all we ever have is a Circus!!!!!!!!
PTC DAWG
January 31st, 2011
3:13 pm
The government doesn’t control who drives…on private property. This guy is nuts for thinking we don’t need to regulate drivers in some way on public roads.
Michael
January 31st, 2011
3:17 pm
Actually the law does regulate driving on private property. Go ahead, get drunk and then go driving in your tractor or four-wheeler. My DUI retainers start at $3,000.
SolowShine
January 31st, 2011
3:17 pm
He’s not that much of an idiot…….he’s in office. He makes a good point too. There are people who are 50 years old who have had multiple DUI’s, accidents and every other infraction in the book while there are responsible 16 year olds who have NEVER had an issue on the road. Driver’s licenses are nothing more than another way for the government to keep tabs on you and generate revenue. I also feel that there should be a ONE time fee for a license instead of having to pay every few years. Some of you feel that it’s a privilege because that’s what your were conditioned by the issuing government to believe. The key word here is: OBEY. Think about it.
barneyb
January 31st, 2011
3:20 pm
Bobby Franklin is an idiot! Something involving public safety doesn’t require a license?
jr1
January 31st, 2011
3:20 pm
Thats why you idiots in GA are the stupidest morons on the face of the earth. The federal gov’t should nuke this crappy state with all you dumba**es in it.
Michael
January 31st, 2011
3:22 pm
As for needing a license to fly a plane — I believe the FAA doesn’t regulate anything that flies below 200 feet –> Ultralights.
I wonder if the founders needed a license to drive a horse, or a horse and wagon, and if there were licensing fees for the horse, and some for the carriage. Using Scalia’s logic, the founders didn’t say anything about regulating roads and airspace so of course anything regarding it is unconstitutional.
phil c
January 31st, 2011
3:22 pm
What else would you expect in a state where most of the population thinks that “The Flintstones” is a documentary.
Lojbud
January 31st, 2011
3:24 pm
It’s hard to imagine that the people of Marietta are stupid enough to vote for a guy that is as goofy as this into office. Michelle Bachman, Sarah Palin, Rand Paul, Paul Broun, Bobby Franklin…it’s time to reopen all of the state institutions for the mentally deranged again…
Sandra
January 31st, 2011
3:25 pm
This man is a kook! He wouldn’t survive in Egypt! Send him there for a few days.
It is more like the president of US sppointed him to this position. They both have
stupid opinions. They act unwisely.
to Freedom Lover
January 31st, 2011
3:26 pm
One considerable flaw in the argument to allow insurance companies to regulate driving: enforcement.
It’s one thing to have a private company do the admin work, the customer service work, and even the risk analysis and risk reduction. Today, for example, call the dog-catcher in Fulton County….it’s a private service.
But things start to unravel when you need to enforce traffic laws. In order to do that, you need well trained and armed officers, who are accountable to the public.
Note a certain company called ‘Blackwater’ who are the same thing, private employees of a corporation given the task of law enforcement. While there are some benefits to having mercenaries of this type, the issues of accountability are insurmountable.
uhoh
January 31st, 2011
3:28 pm
In the words of the immortal John Belushi in Animal House, “this calls for a really stupid and futile gesture.”
Indeed it is sometimes best to illustrate the absurd by being absurd. Thanks for the laugh, certainly some truth in the sentiment.
Cobb Dawg
January 31st, 2011
3:29 pm
Interesting guy! Can’t go with him on the DL thing but I agree with him about gay marriage.
Billy Bob
January 31st, 2011
3:29 pm
Thank you Rep. Franklin for proving we have elected another complete moron to represent us! Cobb County has already had more than our share of complete dimwits with Newt, Bob Barr and the criminal Tom Price. You have no real answers for any of the problems facing the state or our country, you and your brain dead admirers only know you’re against everything!
Tosh.No
January 31st, 2011
3:33 pm
I think he is kind of right. Illegal immigrants don’t get liscenses anyway, so why make the rest of us. Then we can all get into accidents and give the name of some guy down the street, and not end up paying for anything! Already happens everyday here in GA, except that those of us with legal drivers liscenses have to deal with the consequences.
ben35
January 31st, 2011
3:33 pm
This guy’s a moron. I’m glad I don’t live anywhere near where he makes decisions. But if I did, he’d be facing a HARD driving effort to recall him. What a lunatic.
Winfield J. Abbe
January 31st, 2011
3:36 pm
U.S. Constitution Article I, Section 10, Paragraph a: “No State shall…pass..or law impairing the obligation of contracts….” Yet the landlord-tenant law of Georgia states landlords may not write any contract providing for eviction of tenants other than provided in the illegal law which contradicts this clause of the U.S. Constitution. Imagine what it would be like if someone causing a disturbance in a store front business were permitted to continue until that business could have a civil court hearing? Well, this is what the outrageous and illegal landlord tenant law of Georgia does, costing landlords collectively billions of dollars. They are told they must pay the local unfair court for justice while store front businesses get free justice.
Georgia has the most failed banks in the nation, 53. These failed banks were mostly closed by federal regulators, not Georgia regulators. Georgia regulates landlords more than banks. This draconian law encourages irresponsible conduct on the part of deadbeat tenants to avoid paying rent and destroy the property of others in patent violation of the Georgia Constitution and the U.S. Constitution.
Tosh.No
January 31st, 2011
3:36 pm
And where are you hailing from jr1? Cause yeah this guy is dumb, but it may be a close race between you and him bro. Go jump off a bridge or something.
Ghost
January 31st, 2011
3:37 pm
I’ve long held this sentiment! That crap about it being a “privilege” to drive burns me up everytime I hear it!
They need to get rid of fines for speeding and other minor traffice “violations” too as they’re only used a revenue stream for the state and local governments!
Travis McGee
January 31st, 2011
3:37 pm
Babby Franklin, Paul Broun and others of that ilk ascribe to the “If you can’t dazzle ‘em with brilliance, then baffle them with B.S.” school of politics.
And, many in the Georgia Legislature sure have us baffled.
JustMe
January 31st, 2011
3:37 pm
I have heard of some really stupid suggestions from our politicians, but this one surely takes the cake. Good grief … what an idiot (along with those morons who voted him into office who I can only assume that they only did that because he had an (R) next to his name despite the fact that whoever running against him was probably more capable, but had a (D) next to their name, which unfortunately is the kiss of death in this moronic state)!
dude
January 31st, 2011
3:37 pm
Are you kidding me? Go drive in India for a day….thats exactly what would happen if this kind of nonsense happend. If anything they should make it harder to get a license….anyone who drives through Atlanta can tell that some people are not qualified enough to be driving.
dude
January 31st, 2011
3:38 pm
Yeah Ghost great idea…thats exactly what we need during a recession…a reduction in Tax revenue…you are likely one of the people I described in my last post.
horse
January 31st, 2011
3:40 pm
All of those who agree with Bobby Franklin – especially the libertarians – be very careful about your zeal to privatize everything. When the services – roads, etc., end completely, you’ll wonder what happened, and won’t have anyone to complain to. The corporations really don’t give a darn that you’re unhappy with their services, and it’s much more expensive to “unelect” them.
JustMe
January 31st, 2011
3:40 pm
Just further proof that most Georgians will vote for anyone (or anything) if he or she just has an (R) next to their name. Don’t get me wrong, there are some good people with an (R) next to their name, but clearly this guy and our current (crook) governor don’t fall into that category.
Tonto
January 31st, 2011
3:40 pm
I know Lone Ranger. Lone Ranger good man. Franklin no Lone Ranger.
hambone
January 31st, 2011
3:45 pm
should be run out of town on rail !
Frontman
January 31st, 2011
3:46 pm
Grant Park Diva,
I think Mr. Franklin thinks it’s OK for the government to define murder, not abortion. Sounds like a very libertarian position to me with respect to marriage.
How’s that crime rate in Grant Park workin’ out for ya?
Ultimately, he raises one of a number of questions that need to be raised with respect to government control of our lives, and are not raised often enough. To simply say that “Driving is a privilege” is not a valid answer to the question, “Why do we need to have a state-issued driver’s license?” It seems that there are only two reasons for us to have licenses:
1) Safety concerns
2) Identification
The only one in which the state would have any prurient interest would be 1). Identification is a completely separate issue which could be addressed by some means other than a driver’s license. The driver’s license was chosen as the de facto identification object because the vast majority of people have one.
The state certainly has an interest in having safety regulations (speed limits, traffic laws, etc.) for its roadways; I don’t think anyone would dispute that.
But… I think all of us would say that possession of a driver’s license is not necessarily proof that someone is a “competent” driver. Also, if people are required to have valid identification with them when driving, then that allows us to control fault verification by authorities in the event of an accident. It may be that the insurers could take over the onus of the competence of their drivers, because they are the ones who have to pay for their policy holder’s incompetence.
For those who say the guy is an idiot with respect to this issue: prove it (other than by way of referencing the photo, which is pretty damning from where I sit).
Also, raise your hand if you have been living in Georgia more than 60 days and still have an out-of-state driver’s license…
Patrick
January 31st, 2011
3:47 pm
Take away drivers licenses and what will people use for ID? Those who have passports or the non-DL state ID cards might be OK, the TSA will let them through and they can cash a check with it at Kroger, but that won’t help them rent a car or when they cross the state line driving into Tennessee, Alabama, Florida or South Carolina. Because those states WILL require a driver’s license. Nobody from GA will be able to leave GA behind the wheel. Is the real goal? Idiocy.
If laws from hundreds of years ago are so magical and pure and perfect, then it is worth remembering that hundreds of years ago many people thought the world was flat and was the center of the universe, not that they could see the universe. They just didn’t know what they didn’t know.
And of course he wants to bring back the dark ages with gold and silver.
This doofus needs to go live in a permanent traveling renaissance faire. He’ll have his feudal law, his leather mugs and turkey legs and serving wenches and an a bucket to use or maybe an outhouse and he’ll not have to worry about modern anything, like money or ID. He can be illiterate too if he wants.
Andy Turner
January 31st, 2011
3:50 pm
King John didn’t say automobile. But as he said no outlaws and sneaking across a border is illegal..There are plenty of border stations just come in like a man.
TORPEDO
January 31st, 2011
3:51 pm
I GUESS HE NEEDS HIS ATTENTION SOMEHOW.
Lone Ranger
January 31st, 2011
3:54 pm
Consider that in today’s world, the Lone Ranger would be a dangerous criminal.
The Lone Ranger was a rogue former law enforcement officer who stalks and murders his enemies, while enjoying a somewhat cozy relationship with a leather-clad male companion.
Not exactly the set of life-skills I want in a legislator.
The Lone Ranger, Texas Ranger John Reid, gave Tonto a horse, and he gave a silver ring in return. There was never a ‘Mrs. Lone Ranger’ was there….hmmmm..
COMMON SENSE CITIZEN
January 31st, 2011
3:54 pm
OK, who in the heck elected this time wasting daydreaming person?? I almost used the word “man” but I don’t think he’s reached pubity yet. Someone should hand him an all-day sucker and send him home so he’ll have time to play with his whatchamacallit or his thingamagig…don’t forget a box of crayolas…whew, what a dummy!!
PR
January 31st, 2011
3:57 pm
No wonder GA government is screwed up with clowns like this in the capitol Who were the idiots form Marietta who elected this a-hole?
tom
January 31st, 2011
3:58 pm
This person is wasting taxpayers money with this type of nonsense. anyone who voted for this guy needs to be slapped many times.
JoeMama
January 31st, 2011
3:59 pm
What a whack job! This guy makes Michele Bachman seem sane and reasonable.
walter
January 31st, 2011
3:59 pm
So glad the GOP is full of “real ideas” instead of the lame brained stuff from the Democrats. Oh wait…..
Shan
January 31st, 2011
4:01 pm
This is one of the worst bills that I have ever heard of being introduced in the House. Who in their right mind would advocate for eliminating the use of driver’s licenses? We need them for identification purposes, and to ensure that there are checks and balances when people are out on the road. Instead of advocating for more regulation and scrutiny regarding who gets a license, and creating laws that prevent minor children and other unlawful persons from driving on Georgia roads, he wants to do away with licenses altogether? Oy vey…
Will
January 31st, 2011
4:02 pm
They truly should make it harder to get a license, it works. Cuts down on amount of deaths per year, will cut insurance down, and will make for a safer driving environment. Come on, why havent we done this yet.
Ellen Fix
January 31st, 2011
4:02 pm
People murder people, too — and often use illegally-obtained weapons to do so. So, let’s legalize cold-blooded MURDER too, in addition to allowing full use of guns by anyone, anytime, anywhere.
Hey, wait a minute, I think I just brought up a legitimate point: maybe SOME regulation of guns isn’t such a bad idea, after all. ATTENTION NRA!!!
Say whaaa?
January 31st, 2011
4:02 pm
So how do Republicans want us to vote if they demand we show a picture ID and yet they want to do away with the single most popular form of picture ID? These knuckleheads have just crossed over into Idiotville.
Frontman
January 31st, 2011
4:06 pm
Once again, Democrat supporters, explain your problem with this instead of just calling someone names. NB: seems to be a typical approach of lefties when they have no argument or just don’t want to take the time to make one.
BTW, I live in Rep. Franklin’s district and did not vote for him (he ran unopposed).
Bee
January 31st, 2011
4:10 pm
He voted for Obama.
Kurt
January 31st, 2011
4:10 pm
For every right and every privilege, there is an associated responsibility. Unfortunately, that concept is lost on most Americans. Do we have any “right” whatsoever to operate a motor vehicle? No we do not. Driving is a privilege, and one that is earned. A driver’s license shows that you’ve made that effort. This nitwit might be a “Lone Ranger,” but even more, he is an embarrassment to his constituents and the State of Georgia.
JAMES
January 31st, 2011
4:11 pm
do we drug test the legislature? It may be time.
Here's your sign
January 31st, 2011
4:19 pm
When you defend your legislative record by wearing a Halloween mask, Here’s your sign.
When you’re a state legislator, and you’re using quotes from 1254, Here’s your sign.
When you suggest that a state with a $18B annual budget use gold coins to conduct business, Here’s your sign.
When you propose a law that would eliminate the source of your own income, Here’s your sign.
Bob Burger
January 31st, 2011
4:24 pm
Did George Jetson have to have a drivers license,or a flyers license?
Go Dawgs!
January 31st, 2011
4:28 pm
Well, that’s quite a stretch, isn’t it? Hey, Bobby, laws requiring a driver to be licensed by the state in order to operate a car in no way, shape, or form restrict an individual’s Magna Carta-given right to travel. They restrict the individual’s ability to OPERATE the mode of transportation he or she chooses for that travel. If you’re not licensed to drive a car, you still have the option: 1) Walk. 2) Run. 3) Crawl. 4) Fly (in a plane) 5) Take a Bus 6) Take a Boat 7) Take a Train
Hire a Car 9) Ride a Bike 10) Swim 11) Skate. And, what’s stopping an underage, or infirm person from driving a car? Penalties under the law, Bobby. Do they stop every single one? Of course not. Do they stop a whole lot of, if not most of, them? You bet your sweet ass they do. You tell the family of that HERO employee that driving’s no big deal. In our society, you don’t have an inalienable right to drive a car. It’s a qualified, licensed right. It’s an activity that requires proficiency with related skills and laws, and that proficiency must be demonstrated to the state because failure to be proficient can very easily result in loss of innocent lives. In that sense, it’s no different from practicing medicine, dentistry, or flying an airplane. All are things that any fool can do, but they’re also things that just about any fool can screw up and kill somebody with, and that’s why they require training and licenses.
Frontman
January 31st, 2011
4:31 pm
Kurt,
I’ve lived in Georgia all my life and have been measured for driving skills ONCE. I was 16 and was absolutely incompetent, but they gave me a license anyway. I have never done anything to cause it to be revoked, and they have never asked me again to re-qualify, so spare me the talk about how we have to “earn” the privilege. I have not decided where I fall on whether driving is a right or a privilege – one can say that since the state “owns” the roads, it can certainly decide who gets to operate vehicles on them – but certainly people can bear responsibility for their driving without having to have a state-issued ID which gives the state’s mostly meaningless seal of approval.
Also, can someone tell me if you have to take the Georgia driving test when you have moved here from another jurisdiction? If not, do we just trust Michigan’s or New York’s or Texas’s word that you’re a competent driver?
In retrospect, maybe the negative of the proposition is the only thing that there is a cogent argument for: it may not make sense for the state to decide who gets to drive, but there may be a very important interest in deciding who does NOT get to drive. For that one, though, insurance costs and personal liability might be able to take care of that without government intrusion.
Hey Frontman
January 31st, 2011
4:36 pm
Give yourself some credit, by NOT crashing into things or people you EARN the trust of others.
Driving is not rocket science, and there are some pretty stupid drivers out there.
When I was 13 I took my mom’s car and drove all over town, did not have any problems, and parked the car back where I found it. I was expecting that driving would be somehow difficult, but it was not. If your feet can reach the pedals, you can drive a car.
Hey Bobby.....
January 31st, 2011
4:39 pm
You can keep your silly mask when you resign. You believe in smaller government, and you can show us you are a man of your word by reducing the number of Georgia Representatives by one. It’s a small step, but it’s a start.
What's Worse?
January 31st, 2011
4:40 pm
The fact that this idiot is in public office or the idiots that elected him???
Donald
January 31st, 2011
4:42 pm
Re elect another idiot people
Phil Lunney
January 31st, 2011
4:43 pm
Does he also think you can vote without picture ID? How will he replace the lost revenue? I thought we could only consider things Constitutional, not international law or historic writ, Federalist papers maybe?
Shan
January 31st, 2011
4:44 pm
@Hey Bobby…
NOW you’re talking! If only these Republicans would take this advice!
Frontman
January 31st, 2011
4:45 pm
But, Go Dawgs…
I would bet that in most incidents in which people are killed, every one of the drivers is fully licensed.
You may be missing the point. If Rep. Franklin is arguing that driving is a right rather than a privilege, I don’t think I buy the Magna Carta stuff; he may just be saying that having a driver’s license doesn’t prove anything, so why have it if all we use it for ultimately is ID only?
And, jgalloway, millions of parents don’t keep their children from driving because they are following the law – they keep them from driving because they deem the kids not ready to handle the responsibility of operating a motor vehicle.
The real question is: by what amount, if any, would the roads become more unsafe if we did not have a driver’s license exam and a state-issued driver’s license?
woodie
January 31st, 2011
4:49 pm
How did this guy get a job? That’s what I’m puzzling over. GOP is notorious for this frivolity. It’s little wonder we have so many problems.
Frontman
January 31st, 2011
4:49 pm
Phil,
We already talked about state-issued IDs; it doesn’t have to piggy back on the driver’s license. And are you justifying the driver’s license because of revenue to the state? Please. As to your last sentence, I have no idea what in the Sam Hill you’re saying. It’s incomprehensible.
NunyaWho
January 31st, 2011
4:49 pm
A huge thumbs for Rep Franklin. He is right on the money; from a blog I just read:
“Man is constantly telling you that you must identify yourself. Well, please show me from scripture where it says that you must carry papers with you at all times and submit to man whatever he wants. God defines what is good and evil; please show me in the Word of God where it says it is evil to do an act without a license from the government (i.e. such as the act of marriage, fishing, or driving). God does not say this is evil.
Keep this Truth in mind…God ordained rulers with only two duties…to reward good and punish evil (John 18:23, Romans 13:3-4, 1 Peter 2:14). That’s it! Anything they do beyond this is out of their ordained duties. Ask yourself this question, “Do licenses reward good or punish evil?” No, they do not. Courts are supposed to, but licenses have nothing to do with rewarding good or punishing evil. ”
When was the last time you saw anybody obtain “true justice” in a court of law?
Therefore, the license is worthless. It is only as good as the “true justice” in our courts. What a joke.
To Bob Burger
January 31st, 2011
4:50 pm
George Jetson’s vehicle has no wheels, and I am fairly certain that his flying car was computer guided.
If it is not an autonomous vehicle, then he would be required to get a “powered-lift normal” category pilot’s license.
If his craft could only ‘hover’ then he would fall under the more complicated license laws for hovercraft, which can involve both the rules and license requirements for boats, when over water, and that of an off-road vehicle, when on public land. Since hovercraft are not allowed on public roads, neither would George Jetson’s vehicle if it fit into that category.
Frontman
January 31st, 2011
4:52 pm
Nunya,
I’m a Christian. I think your comment is much more incomprehensible than Phil’s…
franklinstein
January 31st, 2011
4:54 pm
What’s stopping Bobby from driving me crazey?
Last Man Standing
January 31st, 2011
4:55 pm
For the sake of argument only:
* Georgia is a right-to-work state. The DMV is not unionized – and never will be.
* Privilege or right? If one can afford the vehicle and pays the taxes associated with operating that vehicle. he/she should be able to operate it free of hindrance.
* Auto insurance? There are those who would argue that the state does not have the authority to REQUIRE insurance, witness the health care debacle.
* Let the insurance companies handle the licincing of drivers? Many of those who would support that measure rail against the health insurance companies now.
Katy Watts
January 31st, 2011
4:57 pm
The guy is an idiot. He’s wasting valuabe taxpayer time and money. We elected him to addres serious issues; not akin himself to a cartoon character. And lawmakers wonder why we don’t take them seriously?
Pinestump
January 31st, 2011
4:59 pm
This is the same intellectual giant that filed a bill that would allow guns to be carried in church sanctuaries during worship services.
Frontman
January 31st, 2011
5:00 pm
Katy,
That’s the first time I’ve ever seen “akin” used as a verb. Pot, meet kettle.
Nunya....following that logic
January 31st, 2011
5:02 pm
There are no laws, there is no ownership of anything, other than what God granted.
If you really believe that, I’ll give you a self-addressed-stamped envelope where you can send me all those worthless printed green rectangles in your wallet, they are simply sheets of paper that God had very little to do with.
Scripture does not specify whether I should stop at red lights, if need to wear clothes or even if it’s OK to drive on the sidewalk at the maximum speed my car will allow.
I looked into it. The phrases ’speed limit’ and ‘lane of travel’ are NOT found in scripture, nor is the term ‘Driver’s License’.
Therefore if you perish in a wreck from an unlicensed naked person driving at 110 mph on the sidewalk, it was not me, but someone who shares the view on the scriptural basis of traffic laws.
Frontman
January 31st, 2011
5:02 pm
Pinestump,
Is there a law that outlaws guns in sanctuaries? Once again, I’m trying to find out why that was ever passed in the first place. Probably some knee-jerk reaction to someone being killed in church by a crazy person with a gun. We might save one life in, oh, 650 years with that law.
Frontman
January 31st, 2011
5:05 pm
BTW, I am not saying that Rep. Franklin is a genius. He may be a complete idiot. But probability theory would tell us that even an idiot can occasionally take the right position on something – he just has to take a position enough times.
Bill Maher, are you listening?
Jack
January 31st, 2011
5:10 pm
To Peter and all others who don’t love or like the great state of Georgia, there’s a simple solution…move to another state. I have an idea, however, that those who move would find the same conditions whereever they move. Whereas the problem is not with where you are, but who you are.
joejoe
January 31st, 2011
5:25 pm
Today in the House of Representatives, Rep. Franklin challenged the speaker and the leadership of the House. The vote one for it (Franklin) and every other legislator against it. Hold on to your driver’s license. I don’t think it is going away, based on Rep. Franklin’s ability to get something passed.
NunyaWho
January 31st, 2011
5:26 pm
Pinestump –
He is an intellectual. What’s wrong with guns in religious places? They used to be. Why is today any different? Are you afraid of something? That you may be like the many pedophiles and perverts in “churches” today that prey on our children and somebody might get an idea to follow the Bible? You know the part about an eye for eye? If you haven’t done anything wrong, then you don’t have anything to worry about. I personally will continually to “try” and leave things to our perverted courts and judges although I have yet to see “true justice” EVER in one of the courts in Georgia. But they have to answer to God about those things – not me.
There are more threats to religious gatherings today than ever in modern history (do your research). Just watch the news and it’s not just in the middle east.
Not sure I follow, Frontman
January 31st, 2011
5:27 pm
While it’s true that a stopped clock is correct twice a day, it would take a very large number of proposed idiotic positions to accidentally land on one that makes sense.
There would be a certain point where those who run the legislature would make a move to impeach anyone who was sponsoring something like a thousand new bills a month, since they are not able to process that much data, and obviously if these are all random nonsense bills, then there is the legitimate question as to why this individual is doing this (just to make extra work for legislature, some character defect, and/or insanity).
But as long as Bobby keeps the volume of the crazy at a ‘1 or a 2′, then the other legislators will not care, and the voters will not notice.
Honorable Elijah Muhammad,
January 31st, 2011
5:27 pm
Frist Newt now this town idot must be a lot of Inbreeding in Marietta Ga
cbgb
January 31st, 2011
5:31 pm
This guy would probably be fun at a cookout. Until you turned your back.
Shoot first...
January 31st, 2011
5:31 pm
@Give me a Break!
If you have a right to buy a car, why do you need a license to drive it?
Should we be licencing just “buying” a car? Read the Constitution. Rights not specifically granted to the Federal government are left to the states, or the people. Sounds just grand to me. Enough socialism already. And if an Illegal Alien is caught driving, deport immediately, and confiscate their car. They shouldn’t be in the country anyway.
DLink
January 31st, 2011
5:38 pm
http://www.apfn.org/apfn/travel.htm
Someone dropped this link earlier. Kinda relates to the sex offender law in respect to where you can and cannot go through licensing or other means of restricting the freedom of the people. Very basic Constitutional law. I believe therein lies the fundamentals of always having other alternate routes around toll roads. The ability to travel freely cannot be denied, kinda thing. No money for a toll, and you’ve been denied the ability to travel within the U.S. Fascinating reading.
Frontman
January 31st, 2011
5:38 pm
You can’t impeach someone for being an idiot; if you could, the numbers in the legislature would drop by at least 60%.
You may have seen that I live in his district, but he has run unopposed for the last 2-4 election cycles, I believe. Perhaps it is high time that someone opposes him. I’ll keep an eye on what he does.
That being said, he may have a point here.
I’m sure even Cynthia McKinney occasionally says things that make sense…
Abeline Jack
January 31st, 2011
5:40 pm
What an idiot! No wonder Georgia is the laughing stock of the nation.
Brad
January 31st, 2011
5:50 pm
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/12/conservatives-fear-center-brain/
Mama Says
January 31st, 2011
6:04 pm
Dillutted thinking is shameful and harmful !
But this time it’s you readers who are not thinking this through.
The question of how do we stop a teen from driving is pretty obvious isn’t it ?
Instead of thinking this through to a resonable conclusion you guys actually believe the pile of B.S. that is being shoveled. We live in a country where the government has convinced the majority of folks that only government can solve problems.
Government creates problems !
They can actually take 20 to 50% of your salary and make you believe it’s ok.
the simple answer to teen drivers ? eliminate the drivers license and make it illegal for anyone under 18 to drive , duh !
OH I forgot th egovernment would have to give up millions in fees — fees imposed on us, in case you forgot.
Guess if the government ok’ed crack cocaine some of you would think it was ok to let your kids smoke it, same logic.
baby
January 31st, 2011
6:14 pm
Can’t wait to pay for my Amazon order by mailing in a couple of coins of silver
ron b
January 31st, 2011
6:19 pm
All you people who say operating a motor vehicle isn’t a right, it’s a privilege. Quote me the law and or court decisions that say this is so. There are none. Driving is a right.
http://www.lawfulpath.com/ref/right2travel.shtml
The right of a citizen to travel upon the public highways and to transport his property thereon in the ordinary course of life and business is a common right which he has under his right to enjoy life and liberty, to acquire and posses property, and to pursue happiness and safety. It includes the right in doing so to use the ordinary and usual conveyances of the day; and under the existing modes of travel includes the right to drive a horse-drawn carriage or wagon thereon, or to operate an automobile, thereon, for the usual and ordinary purpose of life and business. It is not a mere privilege…”Thompson v. Smith 154 S.E 579 inparamateria.
The use of the highway for the purpose of travel and transportation is not a mere privilege but a common and fundamental right of which the public and individuals cannot rightfully be deprived. Chicago Motor Coach v. Chicago, 337 III. 200, 169 Ne 22, 66 ALR JUR (1st) Highways, Sec 163 inparamateria.
bf
January 31st, 2011
6:22 pm
You’d think that maybe he would discontinue wasting valuable time as a state legislator and possibly add something relevant and constructive. People like this have nothing to add, so they just open their mouths and remove all doubt.
jconservative
January 31st, 2011
6:26 pm
Someone who knows Franklin please tell him that the Magna Carta does not have the force of law in the United States.
He sounds like a Tory.
RT
January 31st, 2011
6:45 pm
Hey Michael – I hope you get carjacked and assaulted and all of those “intrusive” cameras that monitor gas stations and highways and the cell phone tracking devices, etc. find your attackers. Perhaps then you won’t find them so offensive. I find that particularly interesting since you are “doing nothing.” The idiot moron paranoia you personify is the cause of all of the violence breaking out in this country. I hope you don’t own a gun…
Gator Guy
January 31st, 2011
6:51 pm
I love this guy. I mean we have government in every facet of our lives passing uselss “public protection” laws that, if violated, result in a slap on the wrist (if that). Unless of course your one second late mailing in that tax bill payment, then the Revenue Swat Team is kicking in your door, or as recently happened, draining your checking account. The problem is not the fact that government can’t help out if needed, its the fact that our current government (at all levels) is hopelessly broken and usually make matters worse when they do intervene!!! You go boy.
KenTanner
January 31st, 2011
7:18 pm
We have laws against murder but people go ahead and murder anyway. Therefore, we should do away with drivers’ licenses and all laws against murder.
Rick Day
January 31st, 2011
7:18 pm
I don’t agree with “abortion is murder” (although I do agree the death penalty is state sponsored murder), but I’ll be damned if I don’t think this is a tremendous idea.
Reading the comments makes me a sad citizen. Too many of you have either grown up or gotten used to unconsciously waiving your privacy rights every day; again with not even a thought.
Driver’s licenses do not keep auto fatalities down; it’s just a laminated card. Travel is not a privilege it IS a right. I agree it is not MY road it is OUR road. If there is valid reason, then so be it [mandatory licensing].Otherwise…
I am not going to go fly a plane, bus or truck because I was not trained to operate such vehicles, nor does my job require it. These are not methods of transportation for the operator, they are tools of their trade. So that argument is out the window.
The rest of the arguments dissolve into partisan bickering and smarm. You people make Bobby Franklin look like a damn genius. TRY HARDER.
Michael
January 31st, 2011
7:44 pm
Hey RT, good to know you love the government regulating every part of your life. It’s that type of idiotic hope that the good government will take care of you that will eventually wipe out the rights the founders gave us to fight against an overbearing government. You probably don’t need a gun because the government and its trackers will protect you.
Keith
January 31st, 2011
8:06 pm
The state Constitution says one thing but the House votes to override the Constitution 164-1. I think the 164 should go home for good and Bobby Franklin remain. This is the important part of the story and is hardly mentioned by the sheeple commenting.
Chris S
January 31st, 2011
8:24 pm
Getting rid of drivers’ licenses doesn’t mean 12- and 14-year-olds could drive. You just pass a law saying everyone over the age of 16 can drive. If a 12- or 14-year-old is caught driving, the result would be the same as it is now. The government would simply be issuing ID cards, not drivers’ licenses.
There are other big problems with the proposal–how do Georgia citizens drive in the other 49 states that do require drivers’ licenses–but the 12-year-old driver issue is a red herring.
RoswellMom
January 31st, 2011
8:40 pm
Sorry Bobby – I don’t think my 87 yo mother with Alzheimer’s has an unalienable god-given right nor a right granted by the US Constitution to drive.
harold
January 31st, 2011
8:40 pm
If there was no drivers license then drunk drivers would do jail time instead of just getting their license suspended. It sounds like a great idea to me.
jrev
January 31st, 2011
8:41 pm
How can someone introducing anti abortion bills be considered a proponent of limited government?
Thomas
January 31st, 2011
8:59 pm
More blog comments on this non-sense than raising the sales tax on food what travesty!
Reverie
January 31st, 2011
9:06 pm
Just a point…
We have a right to travel.
We have a privilege to drive.
Your right to travel cannot be unduly infringed. Your privilege to drive can be denied for cause or revoked for cause. You can be excluded by not meeting criteria.
Georgia Republican’s bill would do away with driver’s licenses : Federal Jack
January 31st, 2011
9:14 pm
[...] of parents are stopping them, in the name of a law that’s unlikely to change anytime soon,” Jim Galloway wrote at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Another roadblock: The constant fatalities … that [...]
Blackjack
January 31st, 2011
9:59 pm
There have to be thousands of illegals driving around Atlanta every day and every one of them is doing so without a valid drivers license (and probably insurance too). As usual only the law abiding citizens go to the bother of applying and paying for a license.
And now some think tank in DC wants the cops to stop making so many traffic arrests of illegals because it’s resulting in them being deported under 287(g). Words just fail.
Tom
January 31st, 2011
10:33 pm
I guess we have finally found Cynthia Tucker’s long-lost white brother!!!!
norma lee
January 31st, 2011
10:50 pm
A politician at long last comes forward with creative economic (not political) thinking, and all people here, including the smug political writer, Galloway, can do is call names and change the subject.
Mr. Franklin may be on to something. Open your minds and close your hearts a second…and for god’s sake show some of the civility that you political hacks have been whining about the past 4 weeks yet haven’t had the time to actually practice yourselves.
Let’s keep it simple.
Driver licensing has little to nothing to do with safety. Licensing in general is, by many people for a variety of reasons, some good, some nefarious, a way to track and control people’s behavior to some degree.
That’s the discussion to have. Do we want guaranteed safety or guaranteed liberty? I would say that licensing drivers has some desirable uses such as guaranteeing that infringements upon my liberty as a driver are resolved and the infringer can be found for resolution. But this is likely best handled by the insurance companies because they and their customers are the only two parties that have skin in the game.
The state has no real interest economically in driver licensing other than as a revenue source to fund their other liberty choking operations, but certainly has a poltical one.
Jenny Hodges
January 31st, 2011
10:50 pm
So let me get this straight: 164 Georgia Representatives voted in favor of breaking the law. And why are we supposed to respect the laws legislators pass?
ND
January 31st, 2011
11:21 pm
The rest of his ideas may or may not be practical, but his idea on gay marriage is perfect. Any two consenting adults regardless of sex get a civil union, and if you want to get married go to your local religious body and get a ceremony performed. People get to do what they want, and government gets out of the business of defining a custom that predates it by many millennia.
Need to run for office
February 1st, 2011
12:16 am
And people actually voted for this guy and he receives a salary with my tax dollars! WOW!!!
DLink
February 1st, 2011
12:36 am
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/war.casualties/
These are the people who would die for you. Take a good long look, it WILL be the last most will see of them. These are those who have, in fact, DIED for you. What did they die for?
Take a moment, this won’t hurt a bit. I promise.
Tracy
February 1st, 2011
1:41 am
Looking at the murder and robbery rates in parts of the State, it seems there’s nothing stopping people from doing that either. Going by his logic, lets make it legal.
dehingst
February 1st, 2011
5:06 am
Is this guy retarted ?
aps
February 1st, 2011
6:37 am
Ok folks please remember one thing. Law breakers DON’T care about the laws on the books.
Disappointed
February 1st, 2011
7:08 am
How do morons keep get elected? Politicians like to get noticed, and articles in the AJC do that for them, but I don’t see how being noticed as an idiot is a good thing.
Michelle
February 1st, 2011
7:57 am
I don’t reside in GA and Thank God I don’t. Who voted for this clown? I feel sorry for you all. Geez.
Frankie
February 1st, 2011
10:05 am
He represents the republican party….typical. THe license is one way of assuring that people have been trained to drive a car. Yes we know that there are peopple who have been driving for years with a license and still handle a vehicle like idiots, but to do away with the process is STUPID.
Marrietta you should be ashamed for continuing to support this idiot. He wants to do away with the money and use gold and silver for currency. COmmons Sense AIN’T COMMON and he definitely and IDIOT.
Michael
February 1st, 2011
5:44 pm
You people are definitely governed.
Todd Pollard
February 1st, 2011
8:25 pm
Culture
February 01, 2011
Republican Proposes Doing Away With Driver’s Licenses
Fire it up
12
206 CommentsEmail Facebook
Twitter AP File
A state lawmaker from Marietta is sponsoring a bill that seeks to do away with Georgia driver’s licenses.
State Rep. Bobby Franklin, R-Marietta, has filed House Bill 7, calling it the “Right to Travel Act.”
In his bill, Franklin states, “Free people have a common law and constitutional right to travel on the roads and highways that are provided by their government for that purpose. Licensing of drivers cannot be required of free people, because taking on the restrictions of a license requires the surrender of an inalienable right.”
Read the full story at cbsatlanta.com
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PatriotMark 58 minutes ago
Jesus is sending us leaders like Franklin who are willing to fight for the freedom you profess to need and want. Yet you reject it when it comes. You will never be truly free, accept it. You don’t understand liberty. That’s a fact.
You clearly don’t really know what sovereignty autonomy and independence mean, and you don’t want to know.
Haskall Mullins
February 1st, 2011
8:26 pm
The goverment uses driver lisences to track the people so they can control all there activities, shake us down wuith traffic stops, track who has a gun, we are a free country we do not need the goverments premission to tracel by car, we do not need the goverments approval to do anything. The people we are close to know who we are, nobody elses business. ID cards allow the goverment to tax us.
nomus313
February 2nd, 2011
12:25 pm
So, I should have the right (under the guise of the freedom to travel back when people traversed by horse in the middle ages) to pilot a C-130 right over, say, a major city during rush hour like New York, just to see what happens? I mean, what’s the worst that could happen for a person who isn’t certified to fly a plane, not the least a C-130, over a populated place not used to plane wrecks like New York City? By gum, it’s my right to do it, you nanny statist Commies! Ah, but abortion is murder. That’s really showing a respect to life there.
I will give Rep. Franklin this much. He is the logical conclusion of the convoluted mindset of what the Republican Party in Georgia has become. Great way to make our state look foolish, Bobby.
wtaggin
February 2nd, 2011
5:51 pm
He does have a point. Why does a license make it any easier/harder for a 14 yr old, illegal alien, or anybody else to drive? Say you get pulled over for a busted tail light. If you do not have a license, you go to jail for Driving without a License….even if you upheld EVERY traffic law. Then, we have somebody, licensed, who is speeding in a school zone. They get a ticket. Which is more dangerous…Not having a plastic card or hauling ass while kids are getting out of school?
I do NOT agree to abolish licenses completely. I actually believe people should be required to retake the drivers test every X amount of years. Just because I passed the test at 16, does not make me fit for the road 50 years later. I have had to swerve, slam brakes, etc numerous times because of others inability to drive. We stress so much about the age at which one can drive, when we should really be questioning their ability to drive.
A lot of posts on here talk about “driving is a privilege.” So this “privilege,” which cannot be spelled right by ANYBODY here and only makes them less unreliable as having a valid opinion, is gained by simply living 16 years and proving to a minimum wage government worker that you can operate a motor vehicle, ONE TIME? That is not right. Take the driving test when you feel comfortable and able to drive a vehicle. Prove to me again in X years that you can still drive. People change, as well as their abilities. 16 year old Johnny may have not fried his brain cells to drugs and alcohol just yet, so let’s retest him in X years to make sure HE CAN ACTUALLY DRIVE CORRECTLY.