In yet another example of government overreach into everyday American life, a New Hampshire mother successfully defended her right to keep a harmless family-themed license plate after state bureaucrats attempted to revoke it on dubious grounds.
Wendy Auger, a mother of four, has displayed “PB4WEGO” (pee before we go) on her vehicle for 15 years – a humorous reference to the universal parental reminder before family car trips. Despite its long-standing presence and completely innocent nature, state officials suddenly deemed the plate inappropriate, claiming it referenced “sexual or excretory acts or functions.”
This absurd interpretation of a common parenting phrase exemplifies the kind of regulatory overreach that conservatives have long warned about. The DMV’s heavy-handed approach threatened to strip away not just a license plate, but a piece of family identity that had become part of their daily lives.
The government’s intrusion came in the form of an August 16 recall letter, demanding Auger surrender her plate within 10 days. While officials offered her alternatives – either a new vanity plate at no cost or a standard-issue plate with a partial refund – the principle at stake was far more significant than mere registration fees.
“I’m not a political activist,” Auger stated, defending her position. “But this is a non-offensive thing that I’ve had, and it’s part of who we are as a family and who I am, and there was zero reason for them to take it away.”
Fortunately, common sense prevailed when Governor Chris Sununu, demonstrating responsible executive leadership, intervened on behalf of individual liberty. After learning of the situation, Sununu contacted the Division of Motor Vehicles and firmly advocated for Auger’s right to retain her plate.
“I reached out to the Division of Motor Vehicles and strongly urged them to allow Wendy to keep the license plate she has had for the last 15 years,” Sununu stated, confirming his administration’s commitment to protecting citizens from unnecessary government interference.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between bureaucratic overregulation and personal freedom. While the state maintains legitimate authority to regulate vehicle registration, this case demonstrates how unchecked administrative power can threaten even the most innocent expressions of family values and tradition.
Auger’s successful defense of her rights sends a clear message about the importance of standing firm against government overreach. “I wasn’t going to go down without a fight,” she declared, embodying the spirit of individual liberty that forms the backbone of American society.
The victory serves as a reminder that engaged citizens, supported by principled leadership, can successfully push back against bureaucratic excess and preserve their fundamental freedoms, even in seemingly small matters that reflect larger principles of limited government and personal choice.