Quote:
Originally Posted by GP_Matt
I don't really think it is about pulling in more money. I think the goal is to be seen as doing something to solve a problem without spending money on it. The election is coming up and they want to be able to say that they are working to curb drunk driving because any party that argues against that can be painted as a monster. It is a cheap way to score political points. This goes hand in hand with banning things which governments love to do. It doesn't cost much to implement a ban and it shows you care.
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If that's the case, then I actually view the government in a worse light because of this. Even if you ignore the violation of civil liberties angle, they're trying to solve a problem (fatalities due to drunk drivers) by targeting the group least likely to be the cause! They're ignoring data and statistics in favour of making flawed legislation that will score cheap political points.
Aiming to reduce drunk driving deaths is a noble goal, of this I'm sure we all agree, but the data has shown that the right way to do this is to focus our efforts against repeat offenders and heavy drinkers (0.15 or above, the group which causes, by far, the most alcohol-related accidents). And as a byproduct of this ineffective and ill-planned legislation, they'll be causing immense harm to Alberta's restaurant and hospitality industry (the #4 employer in the province).