Big Brother in ENC

By William R. Toler

It’s amazing to think about the liberties we give up to make ourselves feel safe. Not really amazing…more like apalling.

Newschannel 12 reported last week on a 52-camera system set up by the Greenville Police Dept. Authorities say that it helps with crime prevention but failed to give any specific examples.

The new system was also purported as a way to save money. “We can now take one person to do the job of 10-15 police officers on the street,” said Lt. Ted Sauls. However the department plans to hire additional officers to monitor the spy-cam system while increasing the number of cameras to 200 around the city.

Several people interviewed said they were concerned that the cameras are going too far and are invasion of privacy. One person even said she would think differently about what she wore, how she looked, what she does and who she’s with.

Buy the mile?

By William R. Toler

North Carolinians could face a draconian driving tax if the politicians have their way.

According to the Charlotte Observer, the state of North Carolina is considering implementing a tax on every mile driven to make up for sinking gas tax revenues. This is in addition to the 29.9 cents per gallon the state charges as a gas tax…the highest in the southeast.

The state would charge .25 cent per mile with the first 2000 miles being free. The tax would be calculated according to odometer readings taken during vehicle inspections…in the begining anyway. The proposal includes using Global Posistioning System technology to track mileage. This is where privacy advocates draw the line.