Following on those recently linked posts by Victor Davis Hanson and Heather Mac Donald, which limned in dispiriting detail the total collapse of the rule of law as applied to illegal immigrants and the crimes, petty and otherwise, that they commit (see, for example, the corrosive vandalism and petty theft described by Mr. Hanson), we have today two items that illustrate the other prong of the anarcho-tyranny fork: the increasing (and increasingly capricious) burdens and indignities that are heaped upon those citizens (perhaps ‘chumps’ is a better word) who still attempt to play by the rules.
Perhaps, dear reader, you are not an illegal alien who works off the books and relies upon social-welfare programs for essential services. Perhaps, instead, you are a revenue-positive American citizen who, with Tax Day coming right up, wants to make sure that you are in compliance with the Byzantine complexities of the Federal tax code. Thank you! Now please stand in this line for several hours. Perhaps you’ll actually get inside the building before it closes for the day. If not, come back tomorrow!
We commend you also, docile citizen, for your willingness — nay, eagerness — to abide by the countless Federal, state, county, and municipal rules and regulations that curtail and compel your behavior. It is, of course, completely impossible for you even to know what they are. Nobody knows what they all are, or even, for that matter, how many of them they are. Rest assured, however, of two things: first, that any of them can, at the whim of a prosecutor or other government official, be invoked and enforced against you with the full power of the State; and second, that no matter who you are, or what you do, you are almost certainly in violation of one or many of them.
So: we thank you, citizens, for your dependable and supine complaisance. Meanwhile: it’s baseball season! Please enjoy this and other distractions.
6 Comments
If the president is arguing that it is moral and justified to ignore the law in order to create a better life for you and your family, can I apply that to tax law as well?
Be my guest. Good luck.
Timshel:
Thou mayest do as you please. But thou shalt suffer the consequences that apply, and possibly some that don’t apply.
Not fair, you say? The majority always gets the government it deserves. Is that fair enough for you?
It is, of course, completely impossible for you even to know what they are. Nobody knows what they all are, or even, for that matter, how many of them they are.
And let this be a warning, chumps, ignorance of the law is no excuse. Unless, of course, you are a cop. the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 8-1 in Heien v. State of North Carolina that police officers are permitted to violate American citizens’ Fourth Amendment rights if the violation results from a “reasonable” mistake about the law on the part of police.
Further, the trial judge doesn’t have to get the law right either. That is why we have appellate courts. And the Appellate judges don’t have to get it right either. that is why we have Supreme Courts.
So chumps, shut up and get to work and do as you’re told.
Would that were that simple, and that fair, Henry. But it seems more and more that those who try to live honestly and productively within the system (and, moreover, foot the bill for it), are the ones who suffer the consequences — while those who live outside the social contract, ignoring its rules while profiting from its largesse, suffer very few consequences at all. Veterans die waiting for medical services, while border-jumpers are now to be given free healthcare.
True enough, Malcolm. But I am still going to go along the straight (heterosexual) and narrow (not obese), within the system (and footing the bill). F*ck the consequences — full speed ahead. Cue Ol’ Blue Eyes:
“I did it my way …”