Jul 7

Written by: tim
7/7/2010 1:36 PM 

Amidst the celebratory chaos that is the 4th of July it appears that some folks were having a touch "more fun" than the rest of us.  Kudos to the State Patrol and partnering law enforcement in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties who removed a total of 109 impaired drivers from the streets this past weekend.  For the full story you can find it here:

www.thenewstribune.com/2010/07/07/1255277/target-zero-dui-patrols-nab-at.html

While I find it encouraging to hear that officers are being diligent in enforcing our laws I am somewhat perplexed at the behavior "we the people" engage in.  Has anyone ever reflected back on a party and thought, "That was a great time; I just wish I would have had more to drink."   Getting yourself drunk and then getting into a car is illegal for all the obvious reasons. Our socially acceptable habit combined with our unyielding faith in our own ability to drive kills people.

Drinking and driving is one of the dumbest things people do but it's not the only one.  I don't want to make light of the pain that drunk drivers cause others in anyway but at its core it is essentially stupid.  On that level I think there is a bunch of equally dumb, albeit less destructive, things that people do.  Now I believe that we probably have more laws than we know what to do with or can enforce but there are some behaviors that just make me shake my head and think...

There oughta be a law against that!

There oughta be a law against the perpetual use of foul language.  I'm not a fan of using it period but these people that drown their sentences with expletives repeatedly tend to do it with loud bravado thus firmly entrenching the idea that they have nothing say.  No, in fact "f-bombs" do not make you tougher.

Suggested penalty: A month at finishing school.  Do they still have those?

What God's Word says:  "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."  Ephesians 4:29

There oughta be a law against bad tipping.  Especially for Christians.  I think this "law" is more about the witness you have with people in the service industry.  Bad service doesn't deserve a great tip but good service does.  Those folks are paid very little in wages.

Suggested penalty:  Be restricted to fast-food joints.

What God's Word says: "One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.  A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:24, 25

There oughta be a law encouraging common sense.  People who can cut the clutter and help the rest of us follow suit should be rewarded. 

Suggested reward: "Thank you"

What God's Word says:  "My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight;" Proverbs 3:21