I honestly never knew about the money issue, but I still feel the freedom argument is just as valid. I have the exact same opinion on seat belts.
Should a mother be held responsible if her child is thrown from the vehicle due to not wearing a seat belt, probably.
Honestly, I believe the seat belt law is just a door for the state to pull you over and check everything out. IE revenue.
The motorcycle helmet thing is different though. I'm trying to figure out the motive to pass a helmet law. I'm sure the citizens aren't exactly calling for states to have mandatory helmet laws, and from your article it's clearly not revenue based
