[Vision2020] Legistlative update V from Rep. Trail - Feb 7-11

[Fiat Lux]

At the risk of being beat up and tossed into the
corner, here goes...

Ms. Lund observes of a motorcycle helmet law, "Not
only does it provide some protection for those who may
lack the common sense or intelligence to use them
without motivation, but it protects others as well."  


So, what's the difference between someone who rides a
motorcycle without a helmet having a serious accident
and  incurring major medical expenses and someone who
engages in risky, unprotected sexual behavior
contracting HIV and requiring costly medical treatment
for the rest of their life?  Both instances amount to
the bad judgement of a single person resulting in
burdensome ramifications for the rest of society.  
  
Many share Ms. Lund's concern about "spiraling health
care costs that are detrimental to us all".   Ms. Opyr
declares, "I'm not in favor of the freedom to be
stupid."  So, how far should this way of thinking
extend?   Are more and more "paternalistic laws" the
solution?   Might we better serve ourselves to enact
laws that deny benefits to those who willfully engage
in such risky behaviors and suffer the injurious
consequences of their choices?   Would it be better to
let natural selection run its course, as Mr. Solomon
suggests with his bumper sticker reference?   Who
among us has not  wearily suffered another's lack of
personal responsibility?  

Simply enacting a helmet law is not enough to make the
die-hard, wind in their hair crowd actually wear a
helmet.  Furthermore, issuance of a citation for the
violation of a helmet law seems irrelevant if the
violator is brain dead or deceased?

Some folks get all worked up and indignant at the
thought of keeping their livestock out of creeks to
preserve riparian and fish habitat.  Others bristle at
the idea of installing outdoor lighting that minimizes
environmental impact and light trespass (as a courtesy
to your neighbors).  What should we expect when we ask
motorcyclists to wear a helmet for the good of the
all?

Just wondering,
Fiat Lux

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