I got this VIA the Olds G Mail list and I found it interesting, take a look.
Tom
Forwarded Message:
Subj: slightly OT--but affecting our hobby (Was: I hate snow)�
Date: 12/8/2002 1:47:47 AM Eastern Standard Time
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Being a Political Science student and likening myself to pundit status (a Tucker Carlson or a James Carville), I think I can analyze this one... believe me who wins is important though because of concerns of stiffening emissions laws and clunker legislation..
At that time, auto enthusiasts had one thing going there in 00.� Electoral votes in key states that influence the election's electoral makeup.� THough florida was the lynchpin for the election in the end, if Ozone Al won his home state of Tennessee and Der Kommissar Clinton's home state of Arkansas, it wouldn't have mattered about florida.
Good news, we have three big electoral vote states going into 04 (governorships): Texas, New York, and Florida. Bad news, the anti auto forces (read: democrats) picked up a few states that GOP had before:� Illinois, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, not to mention holding on to California.� Plus Tennesse, which weant GOP because of heavy campagining by the outgoing GOP governor, just elected a dem gov.� Granted, the picture is somewhat awash, and we will know more going into 04 following a handful of odd year gubenatorial elections next year (Kentucky, among a handful of others).� But while I don't like seeing an issue become so politicized, the issue of our right to drive our cars, modify our cars, and have fun with our cars as we see fit, is threatened by many Democrat politicans who are beholden to the tree hugging sierra club and other anti-auto forces.�
However, with both houses of congress in GOP hands, and potential shakeups at EPA (byebyebye Mrs. Whitman), not likely to have much from the feds for a few years...�
The states to watch now are:�
Michigan, having elected lib. dem Jennifer Granholm, may put serious regulatory measures on output and pollution of autos straight from the lions den, and attempt to adopt california-like (or worse) standards, including statewide IM/240
Illinois:� after a confusing gubenatorial race w/ the GOP candidate being equated with the incumbent GOP gov. (not related), and major stumping against industrial pollution on the other side, Gov-elect Rod Blagjoevich may attempt to stiffen up emissions test and safety inspection standards. Nothing definite though, but cause for concern with both state legislature houses controlled by the dems as well.
Califoria: Despite having as high a disapproval rating as his vote margin, Gray-out Davis may see his re-election as a mandate to give CARB more sweeping regulatory authority in enforcing emissions laws on both new and existing vehicles, including ramping up of scrappage programs.� keep eyes peeled there
New Jersey: this state everyone must be constantly vigilant on. The smog police are enacting laws requiring surrendering vehicle if it fails test twice in a row and the waivers are virtually nonexistent. Also property nussiance laws are a concern in this state, because anything in line of sight, even on your own property, is covered by their nussiance laws, thus allowing them to come on your own property and tow off a "troublesome" vehicle.
Maryland: though not of serious concern, an upset GOP victory must be hold to account on the laws there.� The outgoing governor has delayed implementtion of IM/240 because of problems with the test.� Governor-Elect Bob Ehrlich must be pressured to put IM/240 in the scrap heap of history.�
there are other areas of concern, none of which I can think of off the top of my head, but anyone else that can bring them to this board's attention, need to know them because this affects our rights and our hobby.
>
> Fortunately for all of us, I don't think Ozone Al will be doing anything in
> -04, except his usual whining. The economy will be chugging along real good
> and "W" will be reelected. So we will be able to continue to enjoy drive our
> great Oldsmobiles.
> Jay T.
