Curious how this thread has evolved.
Sure, government has a tendency towards excess, and like the field of education, copious middle management that wants to justify their paycheck by creating and demanding more stuff for the educators trying to get the work done. But the interplay between regulators, manufacturers and consumers is vital to making things better. Here in the USA, we have many choices on how to choose and respond to our needs and wants. Will it ever be truly effective? Not a chance, but we do not want to fill our air with lead products from burning gasoline ever again. Consider researching the disgusting, dangerous food products that the public was exposed to, before governmental safety regulation.
Late 90's I bought a 1968 Chevy 3/4 ton 4X4 stepside truck with an inline 6 cylinder. Loved that worn out old thing, but the stink it made was horrible, and very wasteful of fuel, coolant and oil. What started as an arm strengthening adventure (no power steering) that could be repaired with low cost parts, became undesirable and guilt inducing. Finally let it go a few years ago and glad I did. The replacement cost 25 times as much, but is much more functional and able to be used for everyday use as well, and amazingly more safe with less maintenance. (Never did get the hang of engine tuning)
Sure, government has a tendency towards excess, and like the field of education, copious middle management that wants to justify their paycheck by creating and demanding more stuff for the educators trying to get the work done. But the interplay between regulators, manufacturers and consumers is vital to making things better. Here in the USA, we have many choices on how to choose and respond to our needs and wants. Will it ever be truly effective? Not a chance, but we do not want to fill our air with lead products from burning gasoline ever again. Consider researching the disgusting, dangerous food products that the public was exposed to, before governmental safety regulation.
Late 90's I bought a 1968 Chevy 3/4 ton 4X4 stepside truck with an inline 6 cylinder. Loved that worn out old thing, but the stink it made was horrible, and very wasteful of fuel, coolant and oil. What started as an arm strengthening adventure (no power steering) that could be repaired with low cost parts, became undesirable and guilt inducing. Finally let it go a few years ago and glad I did. The replacement cost 25 times as much, but is much more functional and able to be used for everyday use as well, and amazingly more safe with less maintenance. (Never did get the hang of engine tuning)