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If I Can Walk and Chew Gum, I Can Certainly Walk and Talk
April 3rd, 2008 by Meghan J. McDonough 
Out of (misguided) concern for pedestrian safety, Illinois State Rep. Kenneth Dunkin has introduced legislation that would make it illegal to cross a street while using a mobile phone. Should the bill pass, violators would be fined $25 if they are caught crossing and talking.
While it seems unlikely the bill will be enacted, stranger laws have passed (Chicago banned foie gras in 2006) and Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley haven’t completely laughed it off. I just hope that Illinois lawmakers don’t get wind of this guy.
I understand that banning drivers from using cell phones may reduce accidents, which might cause you or others harm. But walking across the street? If you get hit by a car while crossing the street, the odds are pretty high that you’re only going to hurt yourself. With that in mind, should states be allowed to legislate pedestrians’ cell phone use? Or would it make more sense to have a crossing guard with an orange vest and a handheld stop sign at every corner?
3 Responses to “If I Can Walk and Chew Gum, I Can Certainly Walk and Talk”
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April 4th, 2008 at 8:53 am
Coming up next, the state of Illinois will be banning walking and chewing gum at the same time; something that most Illinois legislators rumored to be incapable of.
April 5th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Very sad that no one else in Illinois sees this crap coming.
First, they force moment of silences in school.
Then, they do a “no smoking in buildings” ban, even for private businesses.
After, they are trying to ban people from smoking outside.
Shortly after, they want to ban all guns.
Now, they are trying to ban walking and talking.
Anyone else see our freedoms leaving?
April 6th, 2008 at 12:38 am
The article didn’t say, but I would have to believe that such an absurd submission by Rep. Kenneth Dunkin would surely indicate that he is a Democrat. What an idiot!