I would say that _that_ person could then sign up for extra tracking if they want to avoid the tax.

No reason to track everyone... only the outliers..

Sigh - I was just using the words "ride sharing" because it was convenient. The bill cover "ride hailing" services.

Or whatever you want to call them...

I agree. I'm for some improved regulation to make sure that insurance is in place. But whatever that regulation is... it needs to also allow Uber to exist.

Massachusetts (where I currently live and use Uber) is passing some good regulations to ensure that Uber drivers are properly insured and vetted. Uber is actually happy about the deal because it specifically codifies that Uber is legal.

Both sides win.

And who lobbies the government to set the fares as high as possible?

Competition is a much better way to set taxi fares. But for that to work there has to be a free-market... which Uber is bringing.

Girl buying a Kale drink (or some crap) talking to the cashier:

"Yeah, it tastes like crap... but it's good for you!"

lol

For the record, I was there buying roses for my wife who's been away for a few weeks. They have the BEST prices around on fresh roses...

This!

Why not a simple odometer reading? They come up with some algorithm that computes statistically what percentage of odometer usage translates into Oregon road usage... and then just apply that. No privacy concerns. You drive further... you're taxed more. Simple.

Licensed, legitimate, crab companies also use the high barrier of entry in many places to keep out competitors in order to artificially inflate prices. They lobby like crazy to make sure that things stay the way they have been.

I think it's interesting that people take this stance against Uber. I thought "we" usually like the upstart guys that are overthrowing established monopolies...

Don't cry for the cab companies...

The summary makes it sound like all of the bills are AGAINST ride sharing... but that's not the case. For instance, in Massachusetts(which is highlighted in the summary) Uber is actively campaigning FOR the regulation bill.

Why?

Because the bill states once and for all that ride sharing is a legal activity. Yes, it puts some protections in place: but not much beyond what Uber already provides.

As someone that uses Uber quite a bit (2-3 times per month) I welcome the new legislation as long as it allows Uber to continue to operate. Regulation is not all bad, as long as it is fair and reasonable.

lol - good old iPhone autocorrect!

Obviously: "fear mongering"... lol

Like usual: anytime your credit card is involved: use a good password!

That's all there is to this.

The rest is just fear mothering and click bait.

My favorite is when people mispronounce / misspell artisan as artesian.

I always ask them what those pastries/bread/haircuts/etc. have to do with natural water wells :-)

My only question is if these new pages will have links to the super helpful articles on "New Law Passed In Your Area That People are Upset About" and "10 Celebrities Who Are Said To Smell Awful". I don't know how my life can be complete without thous ;-)

*I* am only asking that you use the Shift key on your keyboard every now and again!

If you want to be taken seriously you should really start with good sentence structure, proper paragraphs and punctuation. Your double spaced scrawling looks like the work of a child and you will be treated as such. All of this undermines your already eccentric views to the point where no one can take you seriously.

Why not?

Regardless of what the populace thinks... science will continue. It's been that way since the beginning: scientists push knowledge forward and society comes along when it's convenient.

This is actually fairly upsetting news.

Instead of just whining on a forum... does anyone have any ideas on what can actually be done for this kid? Should we start a fund for his defense? Can we organize a local protest? Should we write letters to local officials?

In a democracy it's up to the citizens to stand up and say when something isn't right. And this most definitely is NOT right. This kid's life is going to be ruined because of a prank. Insane.