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 Friday, Oct. 17

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

2024 Presidential Election Day Symbolic Elements.
Editorial: Return Eck, Chen to Edmonds City Counci posts

Both have helped make difficult decisions on the city’s financial crisis and in guiding city decisions.

Schwab: Peace in our time, but where can we get some of that?

If peace lasts in Mideast, give Trump his due. But where’s the goodwill for his fellow Americans?

Court of Appeals: Moore committed to justice, fairness

I am writing with my enthusiastic support for Snohomish County Superior Court… Continue reading

Snohomish mayor: Redmon has proven record of success

As someone who has served communities for decades, I know what responsible,… Continue reading

Dowd: The gold that President Trump will never hold in his hands

The Nobel committee will note Trump’s work to end the war in Gaza, but also his brutality in his own nation.

Kristof: Portland isn’t ‘burning’; Trump should leave it alone

It isn’t the ‘war-ravaged’ hellhole that Trump and Fox News claim. Does he want to incite violence?

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, Oct. 16

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

Court of Appeals: Tam Bui is a principled judge

As judges, we see every day how much dedication it takes to… Continue reading

City should have said something sooner about Snohomish pathway

I’d like to know why the City of Snohomish watched the homeowner… Continue reading

Comment: News improves on clean energy; if we pay attention to it

Renewable sources have passed coal for energy production. Why is that ignored by the Trump administration?

Comment: Shutdown? America getting used to broken government

With blame almost equally shared between parties, politicians should reconsider the harm of such shutdowns.

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.