More laws won’t cure societal ills

Laws, laws, laws, laws, laws ! Why is it that a seemingly large segment of our otherwise intelligent population goes completely “naïve” (and essentially ineffective ?) when attempting to address serious social issues by passing another law? If they were to rein their knee-jerk reaction in a bit and key on how many laws are already enacted, it would become apparent that we appear to have laws that cover virtually all errant aspects of human behavior. Pick a subject and you’ll find a law that covers it. Human existence, however, works best when we have necessary and effective social values in place, generally instilled in upcoming generations by excellent parenting. And that’s the key: social values and behavior! When we begin addressing societal problems, including mental health, addiction, etc., effectively with acknowledgement and appropriate treatment, we will no longer foolishly key on simply blaming products for the criminal/mental/irresponsible behaviors which cause angst and heartache to innocent humans. Laws only are effective with the law-abiding. It’s common sense. Maybe that’s what we’ve lost?

Otherwise we are going to continue needing more and larger prisons and that’s been going on for quite a number of decades.

Patrick Blais

Marysville

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, April 24

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Patricia Robles from Cazares Farms hands a bag to a patron at the Everett Farmers Market across from the Everett Station in Everett, Washington on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Editorial: EBT program a boon for kids’ nutrition this summer

SUN Bucks will make sure kids eat better when they’re not in school for a free or reduced-price meal.

Burke: Even delayed, approval of aid to Ukraine a relief

Facing a threat to his post, the House Speaker allows a vote that Democrats had sought for months.

Harrop: It’s too easy to scam kids, with devastating consequences

Creeps are using social media to blackmail teens. It’s easier to fall for than you might think.

Don’t penalize those without shelter

Of the approximately 650,000 people that meet Housing and Urban Development’s definition… Continue reading

Fossil fuels burdening us with climate change, plastic waste

I believe that we in the U.S. have little idea of what… Continue reading

toon
Editorial: A policy wonk’s fight for a climate we can live with

An Earth Day conversation with Paul Roberts on climate change, hope and commitment.

Snow dusts the treeline near Heather Lake Trailhead in the area of a disputed logging project on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, outside Verlot, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: Move ahead with state forests’ carbon credit sales

A judge clears a state program to set aside forestland and sell carbon credits for climate efforts.

Comment: U.S. aid vital but won’t solve all of Ukraine’s worries

Russia can send more soldiers into battle than Ukraine, forcing hard choices for its leaders.

Comment: Jobs should be safe regardless of who’s providing labor

Our economy benefits from immigrants performing dangerous jobs. Society should respect that labor.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, April 23

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Comment: We have bigger worries than TikTok alone

Our media illiteracy is a threat because we don’t understand how social media apps use their users.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.