Is this worn out?

I am all for small less intrusive government, but perhaps this is a point that I would be willing to secede in order to increase in general safety of the public, because like you said some cars are just plain dangerous and not just to the drivers themselves
I TOTALLY agree. We don't have any inspections at all in Kansas. Sometimes I see an old pick up truck beside me that has rockers that are almost gone, fenders with more rust than metal, and rear wheel well lips that are gone. I always think, "If what I can see is that bad, I bet the floor pans and structure are shot too. Probably should not be on the road. I'd be 100% for an inspection.