No iPods on New York Streets?
Techtree News Staff, Feb 08, 2007 1930 hrs IST
If one Carl Kruger, New York State Senator, has his way against what he dubs, 'iPod oblivion', there will soon be legislation banning the use...
For a city which almost tom toms its preoccupation with freedom - what with the Statue of Liberty standing tall in its midst, the Big Apple seems bent on 'not practicing' what it preaches.
If one Carl Kruger, New York State Senator, has his way against what he dubs, 'iPod oblivion', or the self induced stupor brought on by iPods and other such devices, there will soon be legislation banning the use of portable electronic gadgets such as iPods, PDAs, gaming devices, Blackberry devices, and cell phones while crossing the mean streets of New York, Albany, or Buffalo.
What's more, offenders will be slapped with a $100 fine, plus a criminal court summons.
Kruger, in his defense, says, the government has an obligation to protect its citizens, and that electronic gadgetry has reached a point where its creating a major public safety crisis for the government.
Kruger says that while he is trying not to intrude upon personal freedoms of New Yorkers, it becomes difficult to leave the problem alone when pedestrians tune-in to an iPod/Blackberry/cell phone/video game only to walk blythely into a speeding bus or moving automobile to meet with near certain death.
Kruger does not have exact statistics to support his claim, but he cites three accidental deaths of pedestrians in Brooklyn since September 2006, all of whom stepped into traffic even as they were distracted by some electronic gadget or the other. In one such case, Kruger remembers, bystanders kept screaming, "watch out", but in vain.
So, while Kruger hammers away at obliterating 'iPod oblivion', New Yorkers have but one option - to use their freedom (read: iPod) in a more responsible manner!
USER COMMENTS
Nobody can cheat death - DEATH once decided by the Almighty - comes about an twists you into its whirlpool---facts remain facts!!!!!!!
by Samy, Manama, on Feb 15, 2007 02:04 PM, Report abuse Reply
Those dead guys should get the Darwin Awards, and if Kruger loses his ability to reproduce, he could qualify too.
by Avi C, Chennai, on Feb 13, 2007 01:34 PM, Report abuse Reply
If you've seen Turbo-Tax's commercial lately, this is a perfect example of why we do NOT need politicians. They are so useless. Why not put the process on the internet and have people vote/blog to get things done.
by Mike Smith, NEW YORK, on Feb 09, 2007 01:07 AM, Report abuse Reply
by kahlil, houston, on Feb 12, 2007 12:13 AM, Report abuse
It is negative feedback such as this that keeps technology and familiarization with technology from progressing.
by A user, Kent, on Feb 11, 2007 11:50 PM, Report abuse Reply
by Tyler Fenske, Baraboo WI, on Feb 11, 2007 09:08 PM, Report abuse Reply
hmmm....I think we should start a militia organization that put these clowns of their misery. Especially in the greater massachussets area...we need to get these dumbasses under control...before they form a lobby in the future equivalent to the christian lobby creating asymetric effects for society, that could be concidered otherwise unfair to the public in general. Or maybe we could start waging war against the christian lobby..like fight club style.
by kissmyass, h, on Feb 11, 2007 10:10 AM, Report abuse Reply
I find it ironic that anyone is surprised about this law. You let the state government adopt seat belt laws, yet a seat belt doesn't make you a safer driver. NYC has also banned Trans fat in fast food. In my America I could go flying out my windshield with a double quarter pounder in each hand if I so desired. Now that is freedom! Stop trying to save me from myself...... you are infringing on my right to self-destroy.
by Meziked, Portsmouth, on Feb 11, 2007 03:36 AM, Report abuse Reply
What's scary is that people elect such nanny tyrants. I left NYC in part because they extended the Wo(S)D to my cigars, not because of the real fear of spacing out into traffic. By Kruger's logic they should have outlawed WalkMans and car radios years ago. When's the backlash?
by Bob Armstrong, Woodland Park, on Feb 11, 2007 02:06 AM, Report abuse Reply
well there is no debate on this issue, i think the that Kruger is the stupidest of the lot by coming up with such an idea. statistics show death is caused in a large majority of humans via air borne micro organisms. I think he should ban breathing ! and while he is at it might as well ban "living in houses" cause statistics show fire has killed thousands.. Oh did i mention that his statistics comprised of 3 "three" individuals .... now my guess is one was drunk the other was high and third was running after stealing a burger from a deli .... i am sure Kruger's iq is 20
by monk, chicken, on Feb 09, 2007 10:33 PM, Report abuse Reply
I find it interesting that all the "concerned" people yelled "watch out" yet no one actually stepped out to grab the guy before he was hit. That kinda sucks, I would hope that were I in his situation someone would pull me back or something.
by d_man, Tulsa, on Feb 10, 2007 03:18 AM, Report abuse
May be not yelling or pulling him back, but at least turning off his iPod would have been sufficient.
by Tito, Middletown, on Feb 10, 2007 11:39 AM, Report abuse
hey man you will get rich, because many people will keep using it so that stupid, you have to buy one if you don't have any
by G.F, New York, on Feb 10, 2007 07:21 AM, Report abuse Reply
I say leave well enough alone. This is what's called "only the strong survive." If you're dumb enough to be wearing headphones in the middle of traffic, well, at least we wont have to deal with your kids.
by Gene Stanley, Medford, on Feb 10, 2007 07:18 AM, Report abuse Reply
Ban cars and busses! Give everyone a segway. Problem solved
by Kory, Oregon, on Feb 10, 2007 07:18 AM, Report abuse Reply
Citizens need protection from eachother, not themselves. Gov has no right to litigate stupidity.
by jac, san diego, on Feb 10, 2007 07:09 AM, Report abuse Reply
Actually, Microsoft is behind this idiot...they need some help so they can sell more ugly Zune...
by GIS, San Francisco, on Feb 10, 2007 05:35 AM, Report abuse Reply
First, cell phones while driving, then smoking, then trans fats, now this? They are slowing stripping away all freedoms...one by one. Sad. Don't they have better things to be worrying about? Education, healthcare, etc.?
by Anonymous, Chicago, on Feb 10, 2007 03:10 AM, Report abuse Reply
Finally, an intelligent comment!!! Thanks!
by GIS, San Francisco, on Feb 10, 2007 05:33 AM, Report abuse
I agree Natural Selection... But, when the driver of the car that runs over the moron on the iPod and goes to jail because people have it beat into their heads that "pedestrians have the right of way" I have to agree with the ban.. plus.. the government uses iPods to track your movements and control your thoughts.. so dont forget your tin-foil hats...
by Rush, Newark, on Feb 10, 2007 05:29 AM, Report abuse Reply
With Liberty comes responsibility. If iPod users do not show responsibility then law comes in. It is a safety issue when pedestrians become oblivious to their surroundings and become traffic hazards on busy streets.
by Arun, Naperville, IL, on Feb 10, 2007 03:22 AM, Report abuse Reply
You are a complete stupid, man!
by GIS, San Francisco, on Feb 10, 2007 05:28 AM, Report abuse
Give this man an iPod. That's all he needs, an IPod and more serious work to do in the Senate! Should people also stop listening to the radio while driving? Ask him if he ever used his cell phone while driving? If the answer is yes, give him a ticket and criminal court summons for that. L.
by Luis Reis, Monterey, Ca, on Feb 10, 2007 05:25 AM, Report abuse Reply
This is simply ridiculous! What's next? we can read the Times, talk on the street with other people while walking? Hell with this idiot Kruger!!!!!!
by GIS, San Francisco, on Feb 10, 2007 05:23 AM, Report abuse Reply
It's amazing that American's have become so stupid that we need the government to regulate what we can and can't do in a crosswalk. It should be common sense. If this law passes it may set a precedent for furthur intrusion into our personal lives
by Katie, White Plains, NY, on Feb 10, 2007 05:23 AM, Report abuse Reply
unreasonable. Those people who run into cars shouldnt even be allowed to walk though. Imagine someone walking into you car or you almost running into a person who isnt payin attention because of their ipod. It could be frustrating. People need to be more aware. Especially if its a frekin city like New York.
by sergio, annadale, on Feb 10, 2007 05:17 AM, Report abuse Reply
by fred, annadale, on Feb 10, 2007 05:15 AM, Report abuse Reply
What an old fuddy duddy! Next he'll ban long hair because of the dangers of headlice.
by Matt Mazel, Oxnard, CA, on Feb 10, 2007 04:26 AM, Report abuse Reply
The larger problem is irresponsible drivers. How often does one see a car, truck, or bus speeding dangerously down a Manhattan street or wrecklessly around a corner. Quite often. And then how often does one see a car pulled over by a police officer in Manhattan for a speeding ticket. I've lived here 7 years, and I've never seen this. People are fined for setting their bags down on the seat next to them in an empty A train, and traffic violations are all but unenforced. There's no good reason why this is a priority. It seems like the particular peeve of one person under the name of public safety.
by Walt Whitman, Manhattan, on Feb 10, 2007 04:26 AM, Report abuse Reply
Anyone see Lost last night? Hope Kruger didn't otherwise he'll ban talking while crossing the street too!
by English, NY, on Feb 10, 2007 03:48 AM, Report abuse Reply
let the supid die, it is natural selection
by Dan, Columbia, MO, on Feb 10, 2007 03:43 AM, Report abuse Reply
This makes me wonder if they're going to ban deaf people from crossing the street unassisted.
by Anny, Seattle, on Feb 10, 2007 03:40 AM, Report abuse Reply
Another Nanny,watching out for us!
by Andres A, Reykjavik, on Feb 10, 2007 03:38 AM, Report abuse Reply
They should Ban Stupid Senators...
by Anonymous, Abi, on Feb 10, 2007 03:36 AM, Report abuse Reply
This will never pass. A person could be daydreaming and walk into traffic. I see it all the time. Dumb.
by New Yorker, New York, on Feb 10, 2007 03:32 AM, Report abuse Reply
Don?t get me wrong ? I?m a staunch supporter of personal freedoms, and generally believe the government should butt out. However, that being said, I?m also a big believer in the astounding stupidity of individuals, and their subsequent victim mentality. The problem with freedom and the general public is that it takes responsibility to uphold it, and with today?s legal system, you can sue the city because a bus hit you while you were jaywalking in an iPod-induced mental haze and didn?t pay attention to the blaring ?Don?t Walk? sign. You can blame the government all you want for encroaching on freedom ? just keep in mind that freedom has long been eroded by stupid people who make poor choices and then expect someone else to coddle them. They wouldn?t have had the impetus to ban trans-fats if some moron hadn?t sued for restaurants ?making? him unhealthy!
by Hoqenishy, , on Feb 10, 2007 03:31 AM, Report abuse Reply
Carl Kruger is a hell bent leftist trying to play catch up to Californian cronies out west. It is easy to try to pass ineffectual and not address serious issues affecting his constituents.
by Night Eagle, Rio Rancho, on Feb 10, 2007 03:22 AM, Report abuse Reply
This is great. Seriously, Ipods suck, they break and your forced to buy them again. Plus maybe the state will get enough revenue to lower some of these taxes. amen
by jake, Brooklyn, on Feb 09, 2007 11:27 AM, Report abuse Reply
"Forced" Just don't buy it again, and LISTEN to the world around you. Lots of interesting things to be overheard, and sometimes you meet chicks by HEARING what they're saying.
by massman, Boston, on Feb 10, 2007 03:21 AM, Report abuse
This is jut plain stupid and just goes to show that politicians have no concept of real peoples lives. They have no right to take anymore of our freedoms away. There are more important things in this country to worry about. Children go to bed without food in there tummys, in New York, and he is worried about cellphones. And Im supposed to trust the people voted for? Forgive me if I dont stand up.
by Drea, Oregon, on Feb 10, 2007 03:16 AM, Report abuse Reply
wohoooooo put the hoodie over your head and you're GOOD TO GO!
by Anonymous, Los Angeles, on Feb 09, 2007 01:56 PM, Report abuse Reply
haha...no kidding...works in school...it'll work out on the street
by Luke, Columbia, on Feb 10, 2007 03:15 AM, Report abuse
Who cares? People are still going to do whatever thay want.
by Jay, NYC, on Feb 10, 2007 03:13 AM, Report abuse Reply
by Bull, NYC, on Feb 10, 2007 03:13 AM, Report abuse Reply
by Celeste, Anytown, on Feb 10, 2007 03:12 AM, Report abuse Reply
What's next? 1984 here we come!
by Drew, Baltimore, on Feb 09, 2007 01:02 AM, Report abuse Reply
WHO cares????? :O its in America Nt in India Ha Ha Ha
by Anonymous, Pune, on Feb 09, 2007 10:51 AM, Report abuse
now u are supposed to ******* see a bus coming and not bloddy hear it coming
its so freaking dunb to ban anything ,the government has no right to ban no device
if u got a problem stop making the devices and make people sit at home and live a shitty life just like the guys in the government
** Message edited by moderator **
by rahul, mumbai, on Feb 10, 2007 02:52 AM, Report abuse
wtf do we use the ipod and other shit for then..Its not called portable devices for nothing...
by rahul, mumbai, on Feb 10, 2007 02:44 AM, Report abuse Reply
Seems if they want to go there, the lawmakers need to extend the logic to cell phone users. I'd say it's likely that a person involved in a cell phone conversation is likely to be as distracted, if not more so.
by Jeremy Wilhelm, Atlanta, on Feb 09, 2007 01:00 AM, Report abuse Reply
Did you even read the article?
by Anonymous, Denver, on Feb 09, 2007 02:02 AM, Report abuse
OOps :-) missed the second paragraph's inclusion of basically all portable devices... I do think it's a slippery slope as you quickly lose sight of the line between protecting people, and becoming "big brother." The bottom line is, people need to take responsibility for themselves. You can't legislate common sense.
by Jeremy, Atlanta, on Feb 10, 2007 02:08 AM, Report abuse
Hmm, I guy gets hits by a bus because he's not paying attention to his surroundings. That's called weeding out the gene pool. I don't need the government to tell me to pay attention, because my mom let me burn my hand on the stove when I was a kid.
by James, Detoit, on Feb 09, 2007 10:21 PM, Report abuse Reply
So by that logic deaf persons should not be allowed to walk the streets - it's too dangerous. Earplugs should also be banned - better to lose your high frequency hearing from the high noise level in the streets of New York than die I guess. No noise cancelling headphones either. Hearing aides must also be banned because they can be turned off to block sound instead of amplifying it. Get real.
by Steve, Las Vegas, on Feb 09, 2007 10:20 PM, Report abuse Reply
Darwin will win, no matter how hard you try'n prevent it the stupid will eventually find some way of removing themselves from the gene pool and the planet will be better for it. Legislating stupidity does not cure it, death does. And I'm sure the burden on the court system and bueracratic process needed to bring "those folks" to court and fine them will cost WAY more then the alleged "damage" that's been done. So, I agree with the folks who've been quoting "V" and demanding that the "powers that be" should focus on GTFO of where they ought not be.
by Damon, NYC, on Feb 09, 2007 10:17 PM, Report abuse Reply
Oh C'mon! this is pure NYC style greed at it's worst, as a former New Yorker I've watched the city go from a safe haven to a near police state. This is just a new way to gouge money from the pockets of struggling new yorkers. It's quite stupid, because it opens another area for which the NYPD could be sued. If a person has one on them and isn't using it at the time they are ticketed but a cop is being an asshole, then you have the courts will bogged down with people suing for wrongful tickets. Its just a plain dumb idea. No one benefits, and idiot will be hit by a car if he is listening to an ipod or looking up at the many advertisements on buildings.
by Lear Riojas, Bagdad, on Feb 09, 2007 10:05 PM, Report abuse Reply
I hope Kruger pushes for legislation to ban them from the subway - I am f---g fed up with listening to overflow from IPods. Of course the ideal solution would be for people to lower the volume- but that would be considerate, which doesn't exist in this city.
by Joe, new york, on Feb 09, 2007 10:01 PM, Report abuse Reply
just like the idiot at KFC last night that was waiting for his order with earphones on - the girl yelled out his order # for 10 minutes until he finally realized. She should have the thrown it in his face.
by Joe, new york, on Feb 09, 2007 09:58 PM, Report abuse Reply
When will the governmet stop making excuses for people stupidity?
by Eva, Providence, on Feb 09, 2007 09:58 PM, Report abuse Reply
How about not being stupid? Didn't mommy say to look both ways before you cross? And the comment of a "speeding bus"? How fast is the bus going within the city, knowingly around pedestrians?
by Bob, Norfolk, on Feb 09, 2007 09:56 PM, Report abuse Reply
This is really unbelievable!!! Where will they stop in telling us what we can't do! Focus on the murderers and poverty first Big Brother!!!
by Tom, Philadelphia, on Feb 09, 2007 09:55 PM, Report abuse Reply
This just seems like another attempt to take the blame from people who are causing the problem and placing it on an industry that is doing well. These people who keep walking out in front of traffic are doomed no matter what they are doing because of their stupidity.
by Matt, Fort Wayne, on Feb 09, 2007 09:48 PM, Report abuse Reply
if you are irresponsible enough to walk in front of oncoming traffic and get yourself hit, then not using an iPod or cell phone isn't going to save you from the person driving his SUV death monster while talking on the cell phone or listening to his talk radio.
by Anonymous, san francisco, on Feb 09, 2007 07:02 PM, Report abuse Reply
Of course, using these devices, particularly cell phones, while operating a vehicle is perfectly fine. Go figure.
by Michael, Texas, on Feb 09, 2007 04:14 PM, Report abuse Reply
I heard on a media news broadcast that most of the pedestrians that were hit while crossing busy NYC streets were listening to their IPODS. That is why they are trying to pass the legislation. It is unclear if they are using IPODS as the scapegoat in this scenario. 2min news bits don't explain everything. It sounds to me that they rather not blame reckless drivers that don't yield to pedestians for these incidences.
by Theresa, Brunswick, on Feb 09, 2007 06:36 PM, Report abuse
no totally unfair, please don't
by Doug, New York, New York, on Feb 09, 2007 04:10 PM, Report abuse Reply
Kruger is a fricking Nazi, through and through! The government is supposed to be our servant not our master, and laws are supposed to make us more free, not restrict our freedoms. America, your days are numbered, dos vadanya comrade.
by Ryan, Albuquerque, on Feb 09, 2007 08:19 AM, Report abuse Reply
Summed up in the movie V for Vendetta. "People should not be afraid of their governments, Governments should be afraid of their people" As a Brit in Tokyo I feel the same way about UK. Our respective governement were looking to any reason to rake in freedoms and control their population more. 911 was just the excuse they needed. When will our freedoms ever come back? Don't hold your breath!
by Teesquared, Tokyo, on Feb 09, 2007 01:39 PM, Report abuse
i find this funny and absolutely typical of US state governments. i mean if you have an important phone call when your walking to work in New York its unlikely you will hang up every time you cross the road. however i do see this as an oppertunity for taxi drivers, as walking will become exceedingly difficult given the proposed ban on mod cons.
by man, hong kong, on Feb 09, 2007 01:37 PM, Report abuse Reply
I think he wants to revert back to "boom boxes on the shoulder" days haha I think he's confused also the difference in protect and control.
by Anonymous, Charlotte, on Feb 09, 2007 01:31 PM, Report abuse Reply
They should do the same in DC, IPOD lemmings are really becoming a menace to daily commutes.
by mick, Washington DC, on Feb 09, 2007 11:41 AM, Report abuse Reply
by ozzy, auckland, new zealand, on Feb 09, 2007 11:14 AM, Report abuse Reply
Who says government must protect its citizens?
by Dennis, Troy, on Feb 09, 2007 01:26 AM, Report abuse Reply
The government's only mandate is the protection of individual rights to life and property. The problem is that our government now thinks its role is to reduce individual freedoms and parent its population.
by Travis, Columbia, on Feb 09, 2007 01:52 AM, Report abuse
Only people who think democracy is a good idea.
by Ben, NYC, on Feb 09, 2007 10:22 AM, Report abuse
by Justin, New Delhi, on Feb 09, 2007 10:11 AM, Report abuse Reply
It seems, American streets are equivelent to Jail. People should be more careful when they are in the street but it does not mean that they cannot enjoy as they want. Since India is the copy master of US, the day is not much far way that the same will apply to Indian streets also
by PKG Nair, New Delhi, on Feb 09, 2007 09:41 AM, Report abuse Reply
You have to remember here the council is not just trying to make it safe they are probably trying to protect themselves from being sued. If this really is such a problem you would think it would come out in the next council elections (Thats if any body bothers turning up). You would think that they would seperate between people listening to music and playing games though.
by Dan, Australia, on Feb 09, 2007 08:39 AM, Report abuse Reply
There are more important things Carl Kruger should focus on, for example the amount of US deaths in Iraq, currently at 3,110.
by Bob, Boca Raton, on Feb 09, 2007 05:43 AM, Report abuse Reply
your so concerned with the deaths in Iraq? do you know how many murders were in the USA last year alone? or just in L.A? and we are not even in a war! how many people died in our was for freedom? how many to stop slavery? both fights we now take for granted I am sure. why do you people use the Iraq war for any conversation you can?
by Anonymous, shanghai, on Feb 09, 2007 06:18 AM, Report abuse
I fail to see that legislating stupidity has ever been sucessfully done. People who get "lost" in their personal devices are being stupid and if they also happen to get involved in an accident and die, then they have successfully removed their stupidity gene from the gene pool. People doing stupid things like walking into traffic are NOT going to stop simply because there is a law which is questionable when it comes to enforcement, which makes it illegal to use a personal portable device in a crosswalk. I wonder, though, did the pedestrians who yelled to the guy, just yell or did they try to reach out and physically stop the guy or what exactly? I think this would be wasted time and effort, by the legislature and by the people tasked with enforcement.
by Ralph V. Getsla, Silverdale, WA, on Feb 09, 2007 06:02 AM, Report abuse Reply
It's a tough life. The more you protect the less aware the population become. If the issue is holding up traffic while you scrape a body off the road, you may want to think of other measures. This stops a small part of a massive problem. Im sure senator has better things to spend his time on? I-pod is a brand, is that MP3 players as a whole he means or he is trying to bring down Apple? What about people looking to dodge patrolling police not cars? What about hands free kits for phones while these phones play MP3's? What about hearing aids that look like bluetooth headsets? Wow, good luck enforcing this one.
by Anonymous, Sydney, on Feb 09, 2007 05:19 AM, Report abuse Reply
Common Sense is dead. Long live stupidity. signed - the big red spot on the street.
by Organ Donor, NY, on Feb 09, 2007 03:51 AM, Report abuse Reply
You can't fix stupid. If your going to be distracted by an iPod or what not then your the same bread that will follow a GPS nav system and take a one way street the wrong way. Good riddance. On the flip side cell phone use is has been shown to be worse then being drunk. Now the next time your on the highway look up at the heavy trucks your passing. Regulating electronic use in a vehicle would serve the public better. In either case I am not a proponent of government control but rather enforcement of responsibility.
by koplin, Yreka, CA, on Feb 09, 2007 01:22 AM, Report abuse Reply
"You can't fix stupid." ... lol this sentense is kinda ironic
by Anonymous, me, on Feb 09, 2007 02:26 AM, Report abuse
hahaha seems to be the consensus
by todd, sydney, on Feb 09, 2007 02:25 AM, Report abuse Reply
It's called survival of the fittest. If people are dumb enough to walk in front of an on coming bus, truck, car, then it is just natures way of weaning them out.
by Ryan, Pittsburgh, Pa, on Feb 09, 2007 02:23 AM, Report abuse Reply
we don't we just let darwins theory take its course? society will be smarter for it. if you're too incompetent to walk onto a road without looking to see if a bus is coming, i'd rather u didn't respawn!!
by todd, sydney, on Feb 09, 2007 02:22 AM, Report abuse Reply
by AJ Lewis, Brooklyn, on Feb 09, 2007 02:22 AM, Report abuse Reply
Oh please, what's next? A ban on thinking while walking or driving? I'm sure there are statistics out there indicating that some people are distracted by thinking and have walked into traffic or caused an accident. Doesn't New York or Senator Kruger have more important things to be concerned with?
by DaddyoDawg, Columbus, on Feb 09, 2007 01:13 AM, Report abuse Reply
by raj, houston, on Feb 09, 2007 01:32 AM, Report abuse
by ashish, lucknow, on Feb 09, 2007 02:19 AM, Report abuse
George Bush has already stepped all over the Constitution and now it looks like Carl Kruger would like to do the same.
by Alan, New York City, on Feb 09, 2007 02:18 AM, Report abuse Reply
i thought this happend only in India
by ashish, Lucknow, India, on Feb 09, 2007 02:12 AM, Report abuse Reply
by Dylan, San Jose, on Feb 09, 2007 01:17 AM, Report abuse Reply
and the bad part is ,, it will pass
by tod, summit, on Feb 09, 2007 02:11 AM, Report abuse
That's fine with me, but what do I know, I live in a small country town in the south. I figure 5 years ago people did just fine without their ipods strapped to their heads. How many people hit by buses will it take for this law to be respected? If you don't like this law then do not blame the government for the devastation from hurricane katrina, I respect Kruger for nipping this in the bud now.
by Stephen, Knoxville, on Feb 09, 2007 01:20 AM, Report abuse Reply
you really are a stupid piece of shit
by Anonymous, lh, on Feb 09, 2007 01:29 AM, Report abuse
What in the hell does Hurricane Katrina and the Governments incompetence with how they handled that, have to do with iPod's? Absolutely nothing. It just another way for the gov't to dictate how we are to live(The way they want us to). Please get a grip!
by charity, Nashville, TN, on Feb 09, 2007 01:39 AM, Report abuse
by tod, summit, on Feb 09, 2007 02:05 AM, Report abuse
It seems like they're running out of laws to pass.
by James, Spring Hill, on Feb 09, 2007 02:02 AM, Report abuse Reply
If the ratio of:- total number of people walking on the streets with such an electronic device : total number of people walking without them is roughly equal to people crossing the streets and meeting with an accident while using such a devise : people crossing the streets and meeting with an accident without them, THERE IS NO NEED FOR SUCH A LAW!
by Sumeet, xyz, on Feb 09, 2007 01:53 AM, Report abuse Reply
Does this really suprise anyone? Every day the government exercises more and more control over society without common sense. This is no different than mortorcycle helmet laws or seatbelt laws. Where does it stop? Maybe when we are forced to use condoms with our spouses.
by James Zenger, Houston, on Feb 09, 2007 01:52 AM, Report abuse Reply
If people are to stupid to watch where they are going, we should allow them to do it and rid us of their stupidity. We need to stop making laws to protect morons. We are better off without these people on the planet and i really think our politicians have more important things they can be thinking about then when people are allowed to use their iPods.
by Blooze, Cayucos, California, on Feb 09, 2007 01:51 AM, Report abuse Reply
People are allowed to be stupid. If this band were to take effect, all stupid acts would have to be banded. Next it will be no running with scissors.
by Gabrielle, Washington, DC, on Feb 09, 2007 01:41 AM, Report abuse Reply
by crazy, new york, on Feb 09, 2007 01:40 AM, Report abuse Reply
This is completely ridiculous. First, we need to make people accountable for their actions and not have government step in and scold us for "being bad". Why should the politicians try to legislate stupidity. As long as someone listening to music on an iPod (or any other type of music listening device), talk on their iPhone (or any other type of cellphone), send messages on their iPhone (as well as a CrackBerry or any other type of messaging device) doesn't hurt someone else by their actions... why should we care? Let them go deaf or get hurt (or die) if they walk out in front of a bus if they can't afford to pay attention. Then, it can be labeled as an accident, destruction of property, littering, vandalism, etc.
by Jak Mayhoffer, Hancock, MD, on Feb 09, 2007 01:20 AM, Report abuse Reply
What about the poor guy that smashes the ipod listener with his car. That would suck to have to live with that kind of thing.
by Anonymous, New York, on Feb 09, 2007 01:39 AM, Report abuse
I thought our politicians lived on another planet.
by Horrie, Gawler South Australia, on Feb 09, 2007 01:28 AM, Report abuse Reply
KRUGER@SENATE.STATE.NY.US....... This is his email addy.
by Drew, Chicago, on Feb 09, 2007 01:26 AM, Report abuse Reply
More people die while taking a $h1t in NYC each year than from ipods, should we ban pooping too?
by Jim, New York, on Feb 09, 2007 01:25 AM, Report abuse Reply
Why is this politician wasting time trying to remove freedom for the sake of trying to save a few lives when there are far far worse vices that kill...such as alchohol, drugs, tobacco, etc!
by Bruce, Portland, OR, on Feb 09, 2007 01:18 AM, Report abuse Reply
why not just have one earbud in at a time? left or right only. DURRRRP!
by Anonymous, G-side, on Apr 04, 2007 07:43 PM, Report abuse Reply