Minirant: Why We Need to Imitate the DMV

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “The DMV? Where we wait in line for hours just to pay them money?” Yes. That one. Hear me out. In order to drive, you have to take a test. You have to prove that you can safely operate a vehicle. You have to prove that should an accident occur, you can pay for the damage you cause.

Why can’t we apply this logic to other things? If you want to have children, you have to take a test to prove you can provide a stable environment where you can raise children to be healthy and productive members of society. You would have to prove you can afford to raise the children. You would have to prove you could provide health care for the children. Wouldn’t it be great?

What about voting? In order to vote, you take a test to prove you understand how the government works. I mean, if you’re going to have a say in how the government is run, shouldn’t you UNDERSTAND how it runs? I’m not saying you have to memorize the presidents. You should be able to name and explain the three branches of government. You should know important dates in our history. You should understand important supreme court decisions. You should know current events.

When I was learning how to drive, the California DMV Driver Handbook had a quote that always stuck with me. “Driving is a privilege, not a right”. I think this should apply to the above topics as well. If you don’t pass one of the tests, that’s fine. You can still stay in the country and enjoy your other rights. You just won’t be able to vote or have children or drive. People take the bus all the time. Many people don’t vote. Many (but not nearly enough) people don’t have children.

Let’s make this country better. Please.