The Alternative

Time to delegislate
    Iowa Representative, Ken Rizer, has introduced legislation to add law enforcement to the growing list of groups who elicit stiffer penalties when they are victims of hate crimes. The bill is referred to as the “blue lives matter” bill. So far there is no mention of what this will mean for the Smurf community. I also haven't heard if a separate bill will be needed for troopers who wear khaki.
    We are left wondering, once again, whatever happened to the individuals who our government is assigned to defend? And whatever happened to the representatives who might say their oath of office is more than a worthless piece of paper? I heard this self serving politician on the radio and the host, who had to pass a test to become a citizen, questioned him about the reason he wanted to add to the list of hate crime victims instead of doing away with this foolish law altogether. Basically, the answer was that it was too much trouble. If you can't beat them, join them.
    The whole basis for the unbelievable prosperity we enjoy is not what has been accomplished by groups. It is rooted in individual initiative. It works when the special talents of one individual can benefit another and both parties agree to let these benefits bloom.
    To see what goes on around us, we have to pay some attention to the media. But language, and especially the media we use to keep track of the world around us, couldn't exist without generalities. The trouble is, it's too easy to drift away from critical thought and blame or credit groups for what should be the responsibility of individuals.
    Although policemen endure constant unpredictable danger, does that make the murder of a policeman more important than the murder of a child, a butcher, a baker, or a candlestick maker? What if the victim is a gay, black, disabled Presbyterian, and now a policeman? Should the murderer be executed five times or get five life sentences? Maybe three executions and two life sentences would be appropriate, depending on the intensity of the hatred of each group. The law has become an arbitrary basket of nonsense. Restitution has given way to social management.
    There is a danger in this proliferation of laws. When Islamic extremists or white supremacists gain a majority in what has sadly become a democracy, any challenger to their lunacy will legally be subject to the full force and power of the law. If you think nukes or guns are dangerous in the wrong hands, use your imagination. We see it all around us. Millions of people are abiding by stupid, illogical laws just because they are laws. And they have nothing to do with protecting the rights of you and me.
    Hey Mr. Rizer, you should man up and do your job.
    Any comments are more than welcome through a letter to the paper, directly to me at 4selfgovernment@gmail.com, or through my blog: www.alternativebyfritz.com