Down The Sewer Pipe – Politically Speaking

In the last 5 years a lot of press has been given to governments passing laws in a bi-partisan manor. This is seen as a good thing because there is a limit of friction, name calling is held toa minimum and, according to the popular press, all is well.

But consider this. A bad law is a bad law no matter how it is passed. If one party has a super majority, then the other party isn’t needed to pass any law. A bad law is legislation that limits the freedom of the people being governed, takes more of their money or just causes them unnecessary discomfort or outright pain.

What then makes a good law? A good law is legislation that:

1. is it needed. Lots of laws are created without the actual need of the law being needed.
2. Are you going to enforce the law just created? If you aren’t going to enforce the law, then why create the thing in the first place? This includes Homeowner Associations.
3. Does the legislation apply to the entire population under your jurisdiction? Far to often legislation is created that applies to just one part of the population.
4. Does the legislation have a sun set clause? It is my estimation that good laws end after a period of time. For instance a abandoned vehicle law should sun set (end) after 5 years. This gives the governed a chance to debate the need for the continuation of the law that is ending. And they can extend it, modify it, of get rid of it.
5. If there are fees associated with the legislation, are they reasonable (would a normal person think that the fine or fee is reasonable).
6. Does the legislation meet the test of being constitutional? Every week across the United States of America a government, or a Homeowners Association (including the US congress and state legislators) create laws that violate the US and State constitutions. It is, in my view, imperative as a legislator to NOT be the problem.