I got the point... I was just being cynical. Overall I haven't had any problems with cops here, so I have nothing against them. They are a vital part of society and without a police force there would be very little chance that the laws of a society would be upheld by its citizens. And yes, I am sure that there have been instances where police officers have pulled over crazed drug dealers and risked life and limb to ensure that drugs they were planning on pushing would not be distributed among the populace. However, comparing the officers that are genuinely concerned with upholding the law AS IT IS WRITTEN vs. the ones who make their own interpretations of it or omit key parts is unfair. Do I think that everyone should be allowed to run straight pipes on everything from an aston martin to a volvo? No, that is explicitly prohibited. Do I think that everyone should be allowed to use any bolt on exhaust system that meets the requirments put forth by the law? Yes, even if it is an Apex'i N1 with a silencer or some fart can with a silencer or the Greddy SP, which looks pretty much like a shiny stock system.
I don't like it when people are harassed without merit or warrant because some cop thinks that he can get an easy ticket under his belt by knowingly twisting the letter of the law. I also can't stand judges who allow it to happen, whether it is because they don't like the cars that have these kinds of exhuasts, or they just don't care enough to look into it the specifics of the case. I am sure that many of the "fix it" tickets have been issued with good reason and judged accordingly. I am also sure that there have been just as many tickets issued without warrant. I know that tickets for exhaust is a fairly minor issue in the grand scheme of things, but how often are you screwed by cops and judges that just don't care? Again, I am not saying that they (law enforcement) are all bad, just watch yourself, don't be taken in by "know it all" cops, and research your laws before going to court and being shuffled through the courtroom. It might not work in all cases, but it is more of a possibility that you might come out top if you are in the right.