After some reflection, I'm going to have to disagree with
a lot of that.
Not that you're wrong.. .not totally, (i've got a couple issues) but the issue is totally subjective.
The parallels with Dalhmer and McVeigh I still think apply - they knew the law, and they broke it anyway. (With the possible exception that McVeigh was trying to change something, (somehow)).
And Bill O's and Brandioch's defense would - under circumstances - defend McVeigh (who saw the federal government, said that it was dangerous to his/our rights, and took action).
And the issue is that it is *very* subjective. Sure, we all break the law sometimes. And the system can deal with that - to a point - sometimes.
And that's where the slippery slope comes in.
If we all park illegally, say, for 10 minutes here and there, then the system can likely deal with it. If we do, all day, then no, the system can't, and something's got to be done.If 10 people park in front of the Emergency Room and an ambulance can't get to it....
Some things, say, rape, murder, there's to most people's mentality, no room at all there for that elasticity.
Speeding laws are particularly susceptible to scofflaws.... Police officers were issuing more warnings, because they didn't think the fines were reasonable.
Yes, they are, but that's not really an example, is it? The police officers weren't NOT pulling people over, they were still doing that, but they were using their discretion to not ticket them, due to the price.
They were catching lawbreakers, and warning them, not ignoring the law.
A certain level of personal fireworks use is permitted on the Fourth of July, thanks to scofflaws.
Aren't you in NC? They're legal. :)
(as long as you don't endanger anybody)
What you're talking about a lot is the failure of prosecution. I think, more so than scofflawing. Yes, some people ignore sodomy laws - but in cases where its come up, charges have been filed and people prosecuted, with those laws on the books.
But the problem is that in my opinion, you can't just "ignore" bad law (and hope that nobody enforces it). You should get it off the books.
And destroying public property to keep from getting a speeding ticket doesn't strike me as being heroic or particularly patriotic or really defending rights.
Addison
