What ever happened to personal responsibility?

Question

Q2:Are humans so numb that we do not know the risks we are taking while not wearing a seat belt, motorcycle helmet, bike helmet, using recreational drugs, setting off fireworks, riding in the back of a pickup, etc. that we really need laws to make take responsibility for the things that happen when we take a risk? Rather than taking that responsibility on ourselves?

Q3;Do you feel that we are over 'policed'?

My answer; If I chose to not put my seat belt on and die in a car crash..... who's fault is that?... My own! DUH! I don't need a law to tell me that.

Answer 1

You know, it's funny and it may be surprising given my stances in other areas of political views, but I believe in a very libertarian style legal system. I think that everything is cool so long as you're not messing with me and I'm not messing with you. I think that when legislation is examined it should be looked at, in the scope of the rule you are creating, who is the victim in this situation? If the answer either arrives in a very thin logic and needs an argument to justify it, or the answer is the person committing the crime you have created a bad law.



The only item in your list that I would take issue with, and I could be talked out of it if there is a good enough argument, is the lighting of fireworks. In that case you do run the risk of burning up your neighbors house, and not being able to afford the damage you have caused, or even hurt somebody. Beyond that, I don't believe that the law should exist to protect me from myself.



*************

Great answer Wire and String. Totally agree.

Answer 2

1) The part of personal responsibility you are talking about has been taken over by Insurance Companies. If we mess something up, which we all do, as long as we have paid our premiums, the insurance company we pay takes care of it for us, or at least they pay most of the bill, unless we were breaking the law, and they can prove it.

2) No, we know when we are being foolish, we just think that we can get away with it, at least this time. Nobody said that people are smart, at least I didn't.

3) Yes I believe we are over policed. I also believe that we have too many laws, many of which are way out dated and should be gotten rid of, but we do not have provisions for reviewing saws to make sure that they are still reasonable. Is it still reasonable that a person is breaking the law if they kick a can three times in a row? Or if our horse is not properly restrained when we are not in attendance? But laws like the seat belt law are reasonable because it does remind us that if we do not wear our seat belt we are more likely;y to die in a car crash, at least it is a law that does take our best interest into account. Not like the anti recreational drug laws that are just to keep the liquor companies in business.

Answer 3

The majority of the parents are too busy with their own lives to be a parent to their children. Children need routine, want their parents to care about them. Too many children are born to people who have no business being parents. I am the mother of 4 sons. I taught them ways to behave, manners, accepting responsibility for their actions, how to help others in need. These were the things that my parents taught me, and I, in turn, passed them along to my kids. I realize that not all people have the same advantages that I had or my kids have. That's where the blaming of everyone and everything begins... it's not my fault because I'm ________________ (fill in the blank). And look at the people being passed off as "role models". Sports stars who use steroids and make babies left and right with whoever is available at the time then not taking responsibility for them, rich girls who are only famous because they're rich and not because they have any real talent, actresses who do drugs, get drunk, and party until the wee hours of the morning; Of course it's "never" their fault.... they're famous. I know I've rambled on here, but this is something that I've been bugged about for a long time. If it's your fault, own up to it. Take responsibility for your actions. Give more and take less. Get an education. Be a mentor to someone less fortunate. Be a parent to your children, not their buddy/best girlfriend. How freakin hard is that?!

Answer 4

There is no such thing as personal responsibility any more.



I grew up in NH the "live free or die" state. Last I knew it was one of two states that did not have a mandatory seat belt or helmet law (for motorcycles)



In high school one of my friends lost his sister in an accident that she would have probably survived had she been wearing her seat belt. I also watched a video in drivers education called "Room to Live" which showed many cars that had been in accidents with the passengers compartments still intact. Those two incidents made a believer out of me.



I think that under age drivers and passengers should have a mandated seat belt law up to age 21 (like drinking alcohol) After that, "live free or die."



I live in Massachusetts, so YES I feel we are over policed in many areas.

=0)

Answer 5

I do think we are over-policed but I believe most of those stupid laws are put in place because of pressure from the insurance companies.

That way if you get hurt or hurt someone else by breaking the law the insurance companies can use that for an excuse to refuse coverage.

It's basically the same reason why McDonald's has to put warnings on coffee cups stating that you may be burned by the hot contents if you aren't careful and they can't be sued for it again (saving the insurance companies money).

They also can check your driving stats immediately before an accident to see if you were breaking the law from those recorders they place in most automobiles now. They have used those results to refuse coverage when they have found out you were speeding, not had your belts on, etc..

Answer 6

I hear what you're saying! And, along with salsajess, I think a lot of it starts with the parents of these individuals. Ever since it was decided that we needed to be "kinder and gentler" to our children so they don't foster a damage personality and later take it out on various unsuspecting individuals, this nation has gone down the tubes. I'm a

strong believer of taking responsibility for one's actions.



Everything you listed up there, I have been guilty of doing. Even some things you didn't list. I'm not stating that to show off. I consider myself to be a very lucky person indeed, to be 42 years of age and lived as recklessly as I have in the past. I honestly believe that if my parents hadn't been as firm and structured with me as they were, I either wouldn't be alive today, or wouldn't want to be. I remember many times when my parents or grandparents literally beat my behind because as a result of something that I did. Nowadays, they call that child abuse. That is complete BS!!! I don't, by any means, condone the brutal attacks that some sick individuals perpetuate on the youth of today, but I do stand behind my belief that corporal punishment is long over do. Especially in the schools.



And, this concept of time out? Who came up with this whack idea? I can remember the only time growing up that I was in time out is when my mother or grandmother knocked my butt out!



So, parents, start being the kind of role model for your children that you need to be. Stop coddling them, and give them a spanking if they deserve one.



I apologize if I've offended anyone with my answer, but it needed to be said.

Answer 7

I don't follow those laws because they are laws, I do because I cherish my life, my bf's and mostly our 8 month old baby's life. Plus of course our nieces and nephew who are often with us.



I don't think we are policed enough, there are just too many idiots on the road. I work in a police department office in a tiny little town and it's just ridiculous the amount of plain stupidity out there on the roads......and homes too. You wouldn't believe the amount of moms and kids getting their *** beat by drunk, high, stoned, fireworks popping dads.



All those laws were made for a reason, and "responsible adults" was not it.

Answer 8

One of the problems with U'r thinking is this- How R we going to know this when U come into the Hospital Unconcious, with your brain matter spilling out U'r ears, bleeding internally, etc.... U can't speak to us. We HAVE to SAVE U'r LIFE anyway. NO matter what your views R. Maybe U can have U'r opinions tattoo'd somewhere? lol

Answer 9

i agree

i do believe in buckling up for safety

i believe people on motorcycles should wear helmets

but i also believe it should be a choice (well..actually here in florida..it is by choice with the helmets)

crimes that hurt none other then the person committing them...why are they crimes?

because its an other method for them to get their hands on our dollar bill

Answer 10

Yeah. Those kind of laws are what is destroying the world. It's called Darwinism. THose people should be killed before they are allowed to reproduce, and add more stupid, irresponsible children to the population.

Answer 11

yeah... i get a ticket for not wearing a seat belt and banks get to make bad loans willy nilly...



Q3: is pot illegal? oh it is? then yes. and corporations are not policed enough. i blame reagan for both.

Answer 12

It's just another means of our freedom of choice being taken away for the sake of money.

Answer 13

It flew out the window along with integrity and manners.

Answer 14

Kill a liberal solve the problem! The media is also responsible for this effing fiasco!

Answer 15

personal responsibility isn't taught by parents like it used to be

Answer 16

So, it's more like 'what ever happened to COMMON SENSE?' don't you think?

Answer 17

I'm with you and sacha

Answer 18

why are you mad that your government is trying to protect you?