Ed Bobit's Publisher's Page

"In principle, everybody is equally involved in defending the constitutional rights. The "intellectuals" in the widest sense of the word are, however in a special position since they have, thanks to their special training, a particularly strong influence on the formation of public opinion. This is the reason why those who are about to lead us toward an authoritarian government are particularly concerned with intimidating and muzzling that group.

It is therefore in the present situation especially important for the intellectuals to do their duty. I see this duty in refusing to cooperate in any undertaking that violates the constitutional rights of the individual. This holds in particular for all inquisitions that are concerned with the private life and the political affiliations of the citizens. Whoever cooperates in such a case becomes an accessory to acts of violation or invalidation of Constitution." --Albert Einstein: Letter on 75^th birthday (March 14, 1954)

 

There comes a time for most men when they are called upon to make a decision of sorts that makes a difference in his own life and perhaps that of his fellow man.

I say that time is now for our 15,000 strong who make up what is called the car fleet market. It is said with good reason and with considerable thought. It is cried for. You must take a moment to influence those that pave the way for your drivers and those that the vehicles provide transportation for.

To assure you that you 'vote' is important, I can only refer to the facts that consistently, during recent years, the fleet industry has represented about one out of every eight cars that have been registered. In this model year fleets are accounting for one of every six cars sold. Of the 101 million cars registered in the U.S., about 2.7 million are in fleets. And these cars are travelling at a rate of two and a half times more mileage that the average American motorist.

Now that all doubt is swept away about just how important our 15,000 fleet readers are, we should define the question.

The House of Representatives in mid-August overwhelmingly approved (339 to 49) a bill that would make passive restraints optional and ignition interlock along with the sequential warning systems for belt systems optional too. In practical effect this move would kill the air bag, the ignition interlock and the sequential warning devices since those drivers, with complete 'freedom' of choice would hardly opt for a $200 air bag or the similarly expensive electronic 'forcing' systems for belt wear if they do or do not intend to wear them.

The Senate is reportedly favorable toward this Bill since there is little doubt that the American public has been letting their Congressmen know that they are not happy about the cost of the recently mandated safety equipment and they are generally considered nuisance devices. Expensive ones.

According to the Highway Users Federation, belts are now a part of 85% of the nation's automobiles. Yet only a quarter (25%) are using them. They state that if everyone used belts, there would be a reduction of at least 10,000 vehicle occupant deaths each year.

Therefore, the question before you is whether you choose to have belts and the related safety equipment optional or to have belts continue to be mandatory as they have been since 1968.

The question is whether you will take the time now to write or communicate with your Senator to let him know what he should do about the passed House Bill. You can be sure they will hear from Ralph Nader and his affiliate; the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Senate and House Commerce Committees. Will they hear from you; Will your management hear from you on why you are voicing your important vote? I surely hope that you take advantage of this vital opportunity.