DORI MONSON

Dori: Why do Seattle Public Library fines get erased, but not car tabs?

Dec 26, 2019, 6:09 AM

books, Seattle Public Library, barnes & noble...

(Pexels)

(Pexels)

The Seattle Public Library system’s decision to eliminate fines goes into effect in January.

One of the stated reasons for the new library levy that passed in August was so that people would no longer have to pay fines. It’s another stunning statement by government to enable irresponsibility.

It’s very interesting. The voters say that they want $30 tabs. They clearly state through their I-976 vote that they want to lower their taxes. But government steps in and says, “Oh, no. We’re going to overturn that in court so that we can keep charging you these inflated prices for your car tabs. It does not matter what you vote for. We’re still going to get you.”

Then at the same time, government says, “We want to lower the amount of money we collect from people who won’t return a library book.”

Dori: Will Seattle spend $213M so Councilmember Juarez doesn’t have to return her library books?

Why do the drivers get punished, but not the lazy library users? The car drivers did nothing wrong. On the other hand, the library users were too irresponsible to turn a book in on time. When you reinforce bad behavior and punish good behavior, guess what will happen?

Does government think that we are these little babies who need to be coddled because we don’t know any better? Does it think that we don’t know enough to return materials that we borrowed? That’s how you treat a 9-month-old, but it’s not how you treat an adult. If you make an obligation by checking out a book, you are making a deal with the Seattle Public Library. You should be able to fulfill your end of that deal. It is not that hard to return a library book.

Ah, but there is a new deal in town now. “If you don’t return your library book on time, we’ll just raise everybody’s property taxes, and they will pay for you instead.” Why would we bother having any personal responsibility?

Listen to the Dori Monson Show weekday afternoons from 12-3 p.m. on KIRO Radio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

Dori Monson Show

Dori Monson

Dori Monson stage show...

MyNorthwest Staff

Watch: Dori Monson’s ‘What are the Odds?’ stage show

In 2019, Dori Monson hosted a stage show - 'What are the Odds?' - which introduced you to the people who helped shape his improbable career.

1 year ago

Dori Monson welcomes the Moose back to KIRO. Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest...

MyNorthwest Staff

A collection of the all-time best Dori Monson stories

With the passing of Dori Monson, a collection of some of his top stories to remember all the hard work Dori brought to Seattle.

1 year ago

Alaska, fishing...

KIRO Newsradio staff

Listen: Friends, colleagues offer tribute to KIRO Newsradio’s Dori Monson

All day Monday, KIRO Newsradio's John Curley talked to friends, news makers, and more in tribute to Dori Monson.

1 year ago

Dori Monson Shorecrest...

Dori Monson Show

How to support charities reflecting Dori Monson’s values, passions

In tribute to Dori Monson, learn more about how you can support these three charities which best reflect his values, passions, and advocacy.

1 year ago

From left, Producer Nicole Thompson and KIRO host Dori Monson. (Courtesy of the Monson family)...

MyNorthwest Staff

Broadcasters, politicians, coworkers and friends remember Dori Monson

Dori Monson, a longtime KIRO Newsradio host, passed away Saturday. He is remembered by public figures, broadcasters, coworkers, and listeners.

1 year ago

Dori Monson...

MyNorthwest Staff

Longtime KIRO Newsradio host Dori Monson dies at age 61

We are deeply saddened to announce Dori Monson's sudden passing on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at a Seattle hospital.

1 year ago

Dori: Why do Seattle Public Library fines get erased, but not car tabs?