Segel: Laws, Stupid Laws and Lawmakers

By Thomas D. Segel January 26, 2011 1:05 pm
5 Comments

In the year 2011 we have more than 200 new federal laws to endure that did not even exist just months ago. When state laws, county laws and laws written specifically for cities, towns, and unincorporated areas are added to the mix there are so many laws in the United States that it is impossible to live without being in violation of some specific statute.

Did you know that in a ten-year period, starting in 2000, the United States Congress managed to write into the federal record 452 new crimes? That means hundreds of things, never before even thought to be illegal are now punishable under the law. It also raises the total of federal crimes to almost 4,500.

There are only two things that lawmaker’s feel they must do to gain the favor of voters back home. They must bring home loads of pork, or they must have their name attached to some new law. In most cases they try to do both…early and often.

We have so many laws in the United States that they are impossible to count. If you doubt that statement try out Google or your favorite search engine and see if you can find the answer. It is an impossible task. Those federal crimes mentioned above each have a goodly collection of laws attached to those specific crimes. Added to the mix are the state and local laws that are also written to cover punishment for crimes of a similar nature.

As the nation seeks an economical means of obtaining renewable energy there are experts who tell us Hemp is the best and the cheapest product for those purposes. However, 49 states have laws making it illegal to grow Hemp…or marijuana.

Right now two states are considering legislation that would make it a crime punishable by a $100 fine if you are caught texting or listening to your ipod while jogging. We all know the states are hurting for revenue, but this is really reaching for any lawmaker.

Here in Texas we have an abundance of goofy laws. Sadly, after many years they still have not been repealed.

In Galveston for example it is against the law to drive a car down Broadway before noon on any Sunday. In the same city sitting on the sidewalk will bring you a fine of $500. It is also against the law in Galveston to land an airplane on the beach.

In Austin you can’t carry wire cutters in your pocket and in El Paso, it is still the law that “all churches, stores, markets, banks, railroad depots and saloons must provide spittoons of the kind and number to contain all expectorations into them.â€