In a world where common sense often seems to take the last train out of town, it’s heartening to hear about a plan that focuses on practicality and simplicity. It appears that President Trump has decided to take a stand against what he sees as unnecessary governmental intrusion into everyday American life. The focal point? The right to fix your own car without the threat of a police intervention. One can almost imagine the absurdity of a SWAT team over a muffler repair. It seems the President has had enough of citizens getting mixed up in red tape for the simple act of fixing their own vehicles.
This presidential memo to the Environmental Protection Agency is aimed at reaffirming what many might argue is self-evident: that Americans should have the freedom to tinker under the hood of their own cars without fear of the law. One might say this should have been obvious, but evidently, it wasn’t. For too long, there’s been a push against DIY mechanics, which probably had folks wondering if they’d wake up one morning only to find their trusty toolbox was considered contraband.
Meanwhile, the document also tackles another issue courtesy of the free market’s darker side – cheap, knockoff aftermarket car parts. These parts have been sneaking into the country like uninvited relatives over the holidays, threatening to undermine honest small businesses. President Trump’s memo aims to curb this by bypassing the backlog caused by California’s CARB, the sole certifier for these parts. Breaking up this monopoly likely has aftermarket part suppliers breathing a collective sigh of relief.
On the election front, the President remains steadfast in his mission to ensure what he believes are honest elections through the Save America Act. This legislative effort, if it survives the political tug-of-war in the Senate, would require photo voter ID, proof of citizenship, and severely limit mail-in ballots – unless you have what some might call a rock-solid excuse, like serving in the military, illness, or being on vacation. Critics might see it as restrictive, but for proponents, it’s all about safeguarding democracy from fraudulent shadows.
Of course, the President didn’t shy away from reminding everyone about a certain parliamentarian who, much to his surprise, still keeps her position despite being seen as a thorn in his side. And, in keeping with his direct style, there’s dissatisfaction erupting over those within his own party who can’t seem to get on board with his vision for the Save America Act. He names names, throwing in a bit of conjecture about their motivations for good measure.
In the periphery floats the housing bill which, relatively speaking, is treated almost like an afterthought amid the hubbub of voter ID laws and election integrity. Trump, in his charismatic fashion, assures the public that while the bill might be inspiring a range of reactions, it pales in comparison to what’s truly at stake with the Save America Act. All in all, it’s another day of plain-spoken bravado, a slice of Americana where the ground rules are as uncompromising and straightforward as a Sunday drive in an unremarkably fixed family sedan.
