Sen. Damon, Rep. Mazurek and members of the Transportation Committee

I write this to follow up my verbal testimony in the public hearing where I spoke for myself, Peace Action Maine, and the Second Maine Militia.

I graduated from M.I.T. and for nearly twenty years now I've run an Internet Service Provider doing electronic commerce. I know about databases and surveillance.

I don't want to be spied on, but this legislation does so little to address the problem that it amounts to nothing. The Emperor's new clothes.

What about corporations or individuals? What about the Federal government?

What about RFID? What about cell phones? How many different ways can technology evolve, E-Z pass for example. Plugging the gaps is not going to work.

What about a camera that is not a traffic surveillance camera, but one specifically intended to id vehicles and persons NOT during any violation of law but merely in the course of daily business?

Just how long before no one can purchase a loaf of bread without state approval? Not even with cash.

In the case of this specific legislation, where are the penalties that would bankrupt any entity putting such a system into effect? Where are the penalties that would jail anyone operating such a system? What is the definition of a violation? Is it the scanning of one plate or the use of a system?

Where is the directive forbidding the State from providing the connectivity and lookup data to any entity operating such a system?

I had a cell phone. The Verizon, NSA and PUC case showed clearly that the State of Maine will not enforce its own laws. Where is the right of direct citizen action?

This legislation Ought Not To Pass, not because there is no problem and not because the intent is off base, but because it is only a small fig leaf that will be easily circumvented.

Sincerely,

/Christopher F. Miller/

Peace Action Maine and The Second Maine Militia