It started with one person who spoke out against automated photo enforcement. Then another person, then more people, then groups of people, then their friends, then many. Eventually it has spread amongst an entire community (and has evolved to a community itself). What is “it?” I’ll explain.
The CameraFRAUD movement is especially strong in Arizona as two companies have aligned themselves with bureaucrats who wish to generate revenue from civil infractions. The movement is not paid or sponsored in anyway by any business or organization. It’s powered by people; people who look out for each other and the binding documents which uphold the rights of people known as the Arizona State Constitution and the United States Constitution.
The ambiguous “it” in this context is a cause. The cause connects a passion that can’t be faked, can’t be bought and can’t be stopped. When people agree on something and have an interest in taking action – they do.
This Saturday, a few hundred people gathered to protest on Redflex Traffic System’s headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. I admire the passion and strength of people’s interests in the CameraFRAUD movement, but action was needed. People delivered action that day.
Pinal County Sheriff, Paul Babeu, spoke out publicly against the use of automated photo enforcement. His message was unmistakable – real, human peace officers are what’s needed to insure safety; Governor Jan Brewer has not taken any action on her words citing she ‘hates the cameras’; government needs accountability and transparency from the people. Babeu elaborated with facts including cameras do not catch impaired drivers, criminal activity, uninsured motorists or even uphold the public safety. He illustrated why people have grown mistrusting of the state government – back-office contracts like the one Redflex has inked with the state was never consented by its citizens – is an unquestionable example of this abuse.
I’ve already shared my ten reasons why photo enforcement is wrong. I don’t really have to explain it again. You’ll probably hear several other reasons why, but no one can argue the fact the contract was never voted on by people. You know, at the polls, where you have to vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ on a litany of propositions, funding measures and other bills that the people must approve of before it goes live.
A few responses from pro-cameras supporters include: “Why target Redflex?” … “Just slow down” or the regurgitation of “studies have shown…” I get it. I know it’s easy to look for a quick solution. I know it’s easy to take away rights, not uphold them. I know it’s easy to stick with the status quo. Redflex is a target for two reasons. Redflex is an accessory to the racketeering and on-going corruption (it’s against the law) in the Arizona state government and they have not acted with transparency and ethics when it comes to abiding by the laws of Arizona or the United States. And while I’m on the topic — I am for the safe and prudent interpretation (A.R.S. 28-701a) of defining a safe speed in Arizona ; not 11MPH+ that Redflex was able to have contracted. In many cases, 11 MPH over the posted limit is just as dangerous as 11 MPH under the limit – why should a company make this determination, not a sworn peace officer?
People must find their “it” and act on it. When you collaborate and join forces with others, your “it” becomes a movement, a cause and could bring results that benefit everyone. CameraFRAUD demonstrates all the qualities of a growing community, the ability to unite people from many backgrounds on a common cause and to bring results.
The results you might ask?
Statewide media coverage, hundreds of supporters protesting Redflex, support from a top country sheriff, a proposed ballot measure, hundreds of thousands of signatures from registered voters to place it on the ballot, viral marketing in having people talk about their discord with how the state is operating the photo enforcement program. Yes, results do happen in Phoenix. Soon enough, “the cameras are coming down!”
Thoughts, compliments, questions, hate-mail or strawman arguments? Dish them in the comments! It’s okay, we’re in this together.
(Yes, I’m that guy in the photos with the infamous Scamera over my head. I’m colloquially known as “The CameraFraud Guy.” I’m cool with that. 😉 )
