Skip CS. You won't be doing any kind of upper level programing for 90% of the engines out there. The controllers in those things are really basic.

For engine management systems, go ME + EE, and fill your choices with control theory classes.

This also gives you a backup plan. If you have to find a job, the EE degree will give you a broader choice of positions. The industrial control systems field is an excellent spot to be looking for work.

Regulation stifling competition is a soundbite, not a fact.

Or do you prefer to having mercury spread by coal fired power plants or lead paint all over your house?

If the new regulation erects a barrier so high that new business cannot compete using the existing process, then usually an entirely new way of doing things will overturn the monopoly.

This is a great suggestion! Wish I had mod points today.

The only reason Hospitals don't let you "bleed out in the street" is because we have passed laws saying they can't choose to do that. Otherwise, they would. Because people will say or do anything to take care of a problem right now, including making promises they can't keep.

Hospitals would be out of business and bankrupt if they were weren't compensated by the rest of us for all the folks who show up in ER without insurance.

But that is different than how this system works. This particular system is set up such that there is no one else compensating for the lost revenue. You want to be frugal and not pay? Fine, on your head be it.

As for it being inhumane, you are right. Without pity or or compassion. The home owner made that choice. He has to live with it. It is NOT the firefighters fault.

And finally, what happens next? What is the result of changing this policy?
Does the counties insurance policy cover them for fighting freebies?
Do the firefighters assume personal liability and risk their lives and their families livelihoods for someone who "just forgot" to cough up $75?
And the next guy who decides not to pay? Do we take his land when he can't pay the emergency costs? Because liens don't pay the bills, you have to foreclose to get paid.

They refused his $75 because on principal.

If they allowed folks to pay them the $75 AFTER the house started burning, no one would pay at all.

As for his pets, those were his fault. They were his responsibility and he failed them.

Wish I had mod points.

Mod parent up, because it's true.

Being a good parent means that sometimes you interfere, even when you don't want to.

Being a good parent means that sometimes you DON'T interfere, even when you DO want to.

Deciding between the two cannot be boiled down to simple rules.