Fire Dept. Goes Galt, Watches Home Burn [Video]

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Monday October 04, 2010 · 9:20 AM PDT

2010/10/04 · 09:20

I got yer Pledge to America right here:

The conservative vision was on full display last week in Obion County, Tennessee. In this rural section of Tennessee, Gene Cranick’s home caught on fire. As the Cranicks fled their home, their neighbors alerted the county’s firefighters, who soon arrived at the scene. Yet when the firefighters arrived, they refused to put out the fire, saying that the family failed to pay the annual subscription fee to the fire department.

That's the conservative vision for America for you: calling the fire department should be like subscribing to HBO.

This is what happens when even emergency services becomes a privilege:

The homeowner, Gene Cranick, said he offered to pay whatever it would take for firefighters to put out the flames, but was told it was too late. They wouldn’t do anything to stop his house from burning. Each year, Obion County residents must pay $75 if they want fire protection from the city of South Fulton. But the Cranicks did not pay. The mayor said if homeowners don’t pay, they’re out of luck.

I don't think this goes far enough. I think that when you dial 9-1-1, you should get a list of options, like "Press 2 if you are a premium subscriber".

More free marketry:

We asked the mayor of South Fulton if the chief could have made an exception. "Anybody that’s not in the city of South Fulton, it’s a service we offer, either they accept it or they don’t," Mayor David Crocker said.

Putting out fires is a service they offer.

And lest there be any doubt about the political leanings of this particular town:

A local newspaper further pressed Mayor Crocker about the city’s policy, which has been in place since 1990. Crocker, a Republican who was elected in 2008 and serves with a county commission where every seat is also filled by a Republican, likened the policy to buying auto insurance.

This is the conservative vision for America in action.

H/T to Think Progress for the story.

Here's a local news report:

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And thanks to FiredUpInCa in the comments for this salient point:

The State Senate recently passed what's called the Tennessee Health Care Freedom Act, which states that no Tennessean can be required to carry health care insurance.
Link

When is the Tennessee State Senate going to present the Fire Prevention Freedom Act, which states no Tennessean can be required to pay $75 for fire protection?

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