Enough!

It’s been a few weeks since two somewhat similar stories were publicized, but they still bother me. They are just another example of government sticking their nose in where it really doesn’t belong.

I’m referring to the latest pending California legislation bills that would “regulate” our lives. Just one more example of our eroding personal and property rights.

The first one was the “anti-spanking” legislation recently brought to our assembly members by Democratic Assemblywoman Sally Lieber.

Is she serious? Who will define what a “spank” is? Our children are already very aware of how far a teacher or other authoritative adult can go. They also know how to pull the adult strings with a quick taunt. These are the children we are now raising and will have to deal with as adults. They are also our future leaders.

The final straw came in the form of legislation introduced by Democratic Assemblyman Lloyd Levine. He wants to pass a law that would make it illegal to use incandescent light bulbs.

Can you imagine inviting a neighbor over and you suddenly realize they are noting your light fixtures? Not because of their beauty, but because you are definitely a criminal element.

What makes these proposed laws so insidious is the logic that these laws are “for our own good.” They’ll protect us from ourselves. In reality they do away with our choices, whether they are good or bad.

What’s scary is they really do make good sense in the short-sight.

Seat belt laws are only one example. No one will contest that they save lives. Everyone should wear their seat belts, but they should do it because it protects them, not because it is illegal. The same is true of helmets for motorcycle riders, eating fatty foods and smoking restrictions in and around all buildings.

The laws are made to protect us from poor behavior choices, laws to protect us from ourselves.

When did we become so incompetent? Why aren’t we paying attention to the things that are not good for us?

Because we are basically lazy. It’s too hard to educate ourselves, to pay attention to make sure that we can self-regulate.

That’s why legislators can get away with things like “spanking” laws.

It’s time to slap our legislators hands for meddling in affairs they have no right to regulate.

We have plenty of laws to assure a child is not purposely abused. Monetary incentives can be utilized to encourage households to use a proper energy-efficient bulb.

As a citizenry we should not be shy about using the child abuse laws to the fullest extent if we see this type of abuse.

Then, as our democracy calls for, the offender is innocent until proven guilty by a panel of his or her peers.

Justice is not always just, but I’m happy that we live in a nation that provides the checks and balances to allow a legal system that provides every individual with the opportunity for an open and fair hearing.

A free society is messy because it allows everyone to speak, even those with poor “good” intentions. I just hope the vast silent majority will speak up this time and not allow such shallow legislation to be passed.

Besides, I think our legislators really have better things to do with their time. And if they don’t, then it’s time to look at who is in charge there and change it.