It’s bad enough that we have to deal with police cameras on street corners watching our every legal move and the NSA monitoring our phone calls and e-mails. Now we learn that the U.S. Department of Transportation is trying to crack down on one of the country’s most pressing problems: people who don’t wear seat belts.

You read it right: An agency of the federal government is wasting precious tax dollars to try and convince drivers and riders to buckle up.

You may have heard the radio ads. The announcer talks about how police officers are cracking down on this (allegedly terrible) problem. “Click it or ticket,” the stern-voiced announcer admonishes. In one ad, a cop lets his buddy off with a warning for not using his turn signal (yeah, right), then hands him a ticket for not wearing a seat belt.

It’s obvious someone at the D.O.T. has either forgotten about or has chosen to totally ignore the fact that traffic matters are a local concern. Incidentally, the ads—and the laws they are trying to get you to comply with—aren’t found on the books in every state.

Wisconsin, for example, has a seat belt law, but thankfully the law has not be elevated to primary status, which would permit cops to ticket merely for that. Instead, they are supposed to find some other reason to stop you, then hand you an additional $10 ticket if you’re not doing what the nosy state lawmakers want you to do.

It’s time for voters to draw a line in the cement, and say, “No more!” We’ve had it with heavy-handed politicians crimping our freedoms in the name of watching out for our best interests. One of the hallmarks of a free nation is its citizens’ freedom to make bad decisions. People who refuse to wear seat belts (and helmets, for that matter) hurt only themselves. Don’t let the insurance companies or nosy politicians tell you otherwise.

The election this Fall is a good time to toss out those politicians who refuse to let us remain free.

An interesting night at the Toastmasters meeting the other night.

We decided to change the routine a bit and offer a debate format. Two 2-person teams were selected to present arguments on a rather heady topic: whether Wisconsin lawmakers should lower the state’s minimum age for hunters from 12 to 8. I was on the “affirmative” side, meaning I had to argue in favor of lowering the requirement.

This was the first time I had participated in a debate of any sort, and it was a fascinating exercise. It also proved to be a great learning experience. A couple tips for your next debate:

BE PREPARED.

Seems pretty obvious, but I witnessed a debate one evening in which most of the participants seemed to wing it. Not good.

Regardless of whether your position is the popular one–or seemingly the correct one–you can find data to support your arguments. Thanks to the World Wide Web, nearly all the world’s information is at your fingertips. Take the time to research your topic, and develop a solid base of information. Compile the necessary facts, figures, dates, quotes, and other relevant data.

Use this information to support your argument, and be specific. “Soda is bad for children” becomes “Studies have shown that a diet heavy in carbonated beverages leads to tooth decay, obesity, and the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University, for example,….”

See the difference? Use established facts to support an argument.

LISTEN CAREFULLY, AND TAKE GO NOTES DURING DEBATE.

The second half of a debate offers participants the chance to rebut the opposing side’s arguments. But you don’t know precisely what the other side will offer until those members get up to speak. So you’ll have little time to compose your rebuttal.

It’s critical that you pay attention and take notes while your opponents are speaking. Avoid the natural tendency to daydream, look around the room (or out the window), doodle, or whatever else you’re inclined to do. You must remain focused.

Compile an outline or short list of the opponents’ arguments, and scribble a few notes of counter argument for each. When you’re called upon to give your rebuttal, you tick off the list you’ve compiled. Give the other side’s arguments, and provide a response. Much of that may just be repeating what you gave in your opening remarks, but in some cases you’ll offer new facts.

Finish strongly with a call to action. (“We must pass this legislation now!”) Leave ‘em in awe at your presentation and your passion.

Even if your side doesn’t win, it’s a tremendous feeling to have participated. And the skills you develop will make you a more confident speaker inside and outside the workplace.