Oregon Word Police

[SHMIV]

Oregon has fined a man $500 for referring to himself as an "engineer". He had reason to study traffic light patterns, then sent his findings, unsolicited, to the Oregon Board of Engineers. Seems that the OBoE was peeved that one of the little people dared to question their judgement.

http://www.techspot.com/news/69537-fede ... using.html

While it appears that this man has never worked as an engineer, here in the States, he was apparently an engineer in Sweden, both in Swedish military, and for a private company.

The guy is fighting this, and I hope he wins; if Oregon wins, that sets a very dangerous precedent.

*************************************************************

Definition of "Engineer", courtesy of Google (I typed "Define Engineer" in the search bar):

en·gi·neer

noun: engineer; plural noun: engineers

-a person who designs, builds, or maintains engines, machines, or public works.

synonyms: originator, deviser, designer, architect, inventor, developer, creator; mastermind "the prime engineer of the approach"

-a person qualified in a branch of engineering, especially as a professional. "an aeronautical engineer"

-the operator or supervisor of an engine, especially a railroad locomotive or the engine on an aircraft or ship.

synonyms: operator, driver, controller "the ship's engineer"

-a skillful contriver or originator of something. "the prime engineer of the approach"

********************************************************************

I know a lot of people, myself included, that qualify as an engineer under that last point. If you need a device, and you can see it in your head, then build it, hey, you're an engineer.

Under that first point; maintaining engines or machines makes you an engineer. You do all of,or even some of, the work on maintaining your vehicles and lawn equipment? Looks like you are an engineer.

Oregon; it's such a pretty state. Damn shame that the powers that be have created such an uninhabitable political environment there. (Or, here; as it happens, I am currently in Oregon. )

On a side note, my father briefly worked for FEMA. (He also produced training films for the Army, once upon a time) Something that I have heard him say, on more than one occasion, "Want to find yourself in big trouble? Try to save the Government some money." In this case, we find a similar principle applied to private citizens; "Want to find yourself in big trouble? Try to improve Government efficiency."

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[ShotgunBlast]

I've been following this case through the Instutute for Justice (founded in Virginia btw). I love the work that they do in fighting for economic liberty, property rights, school choice, and free speech.

Here's more info about this particular case.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wi4brP0sXSQ

[SHMIV]

So, then, it appears that Oregon IS just spitefully fining anyone that's critical of them, according to that attorney.

I don't know that I was previously aware of Institute for Justice; thank you for bringing them to my attention.

I also didn't realize that this traffic light case had been dragged out this long. I only stumbled upon that article that I posted, a few minutes before I posted it. It's ridiculous that it's an issue at all, but it's really a travesty that it's still going through the courts, after all this time.

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[trailrunner]

I know a lot of people, myself included, that qualify as an engineer under that last point. If you need a device, and you can see it in your head, then build it, hey, you're an engineer.

Sort of.

There is such a thing as a Professional Engineer (PE). You can't call yourself a PE using the dictionary definition you quoted. PE is a license, and is required to approve many civil works projects. I don't know if this includes roads and things related to traffic, but I'm pretty sure it does.

Now that I have that out of the way - Of course this is nonsense! The guy didn't claim to be a PE and try to approve the design of a dam. He was just offering his educated opinion. If they didn't like what he said, they should have just patted him on the head and smiled politely, and ignored him.

I have an advanced degree in engineering - it says so on my transcript, so it must be true. My job classification -- with the federal government, no less -- is a general engineer (0801). I guess that makes me an engineer, except not in the eyes of Oregon.

[Newgunguy]

Amerika, the inept and corrupt system is always right and if not they will send their NAZI PIGS to fine and harass you!


Charles.

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[MarcSpaz]

Sort of.

There is such a thing as a Professional Engineer (PE). You can't call yourself a PE using the dictionary definition you quoted. PE is a license, and is required to approve many civil works projects. I don't know if this includes roads and things related to traffic, but I'm pretty sure it does.

Wish I could see the letter. There is a big difference between saying you are a Professional Engineer vs. a professional engineer or a professional Engineer.

[SHMIV]

I want to see the letter, too, more out of curiosity, than anything else.

The actual contents of the letter SHOULD be irrelevant, but I am curious to see precisely how douchey and tyrannical Oregon actually is.

Also, the guy is from Sweden, so I assume that English is his second language, and their are some minor nuances that he may not have picked up on; for example Professional Engineer vs. professional engineer.

I find it troubling (though, not particularly surprising) that this has gone on as long as it has. The moment that this hit some federal judges desk, that federal judge should have put Oregon in its place. Actually, it shouldn't have even made it that far. The very first judge should have immediately seen the problem, and told the Oregon Board of Engineers that they were grossly overstepping their bounds.

It's also troubling that the Oregon Board of Engineers seems to make a habit of this. Seems to me that there are some board members that need to sit in a little cinderblock room for a while, to contemplate Constitutional Rights.

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