Stupid Laws; Stupid People

[saberivojo]

I live in Maryland, just outside of Baltimore. It is a big city, with big city crime.  But basically, I like where I live.

We have this group of people in Baltimore that ride dirt bikes all over the city.  It is not a "biker gang" simply a mode of transportation.  They are cheep, require little gas and are handy in tight places.  Which makes dirt

Comments

[ficwriter1966]

See? See? That's what I mean! The RULES, baby! We got RULES. *makes flappy hands*

I would muss my drawers if I saw a pack of 30 of those kids on bikes coming up to surround my little car. I'm sure they would think it was funny if they made somebody panic and run off the road.

And the gas station attendants are supposed to engage these kids? And get themselves robbed or beat up? WTF? Whose good idea was that??

Argh.

[saberivojo]

I was thinking of you and your Rules when I wrote this. I know that following the rules can be kind of hokey sometimes. And everyone likes a little bit of badboy in their lives, even if it is just LJ and reading about the bad boys. But in RL these kids can hurt people, hurt themselves and what kind of message are we sending to them? Feel free to flaunt your invincibility and teflon-selves while the rest of us follow the law? Laws that are made for everyone's protection. I am just sick of people thinking they can do whatever they want, simply because they can.

[ficwriter1966]

It just terrifies me to think that we're bringing up a generation of people who believe you can do as you please, and there will be absolutely no consequences for your actions. I believe my parents had the best of intentions (if sometimes awkwardly carried out) in teaching me to follow the rules, obey the law, and be respectful of others. Too, I've come to believe (because of several incidents that displayed it) that Karma will ultimately find you and kick your ass.

But these kids? Believe the world owes them a $100K a year job right out of the box. A $400K house as their "starter home." The right to do exactly as they please, without receiving so much as a frown in response.

And a lot of these kids have GUNS.

[saberivojo]

Yes. Our parents may not have been perfect. But as kids, I was taught to respect our laws and other people. I don't even know if we ever had a conversation that started like..."If Ms. Jean tells you to stop playing in her garden, then you need to stop playing in her garden." I mean, it was just a given

[kimmer1227]

It seems like the cops could do SOMETHING. Do they even attempt to engage these kids? I can understand the "no chase" thing, but do something!

I'm gonna buy a bike this weekend. The pedal kind. Hee.

[saberivojo]

You would think the cops could do something. But I think their hands are tied.

If it was just a matter of people needing cheap transportation and they followed traffic laws and stuff, I would be less inclined to freak out. But they don't.

It is just so disturbing. Then I start thinking about kids and parents and who raised these ingrates? But that is a whole 'nother box of worms.

I call them kids, and some are really KIDS but some are young adults. I just get so damn aggravated when people just are not held accountable. I mean, screwing up is okay, we all do it, but scoffing at our laws and knowing there is no way that anyone can stop you frustrates me to no end.

[tifaching]

Amen. I may be a mean old lady too, but I'm right there with you. When will it be possible to hold people responsible for their own actions? It's ridiculous.

[saberivojo]

Yes, right there. Anyone can mess up. But damn, if you do something wrong you should be held accountable. Not only are these kids not held accountable, now they want to make the gas stations accountable to police the kids. WFT?

[debbiel66]

Perfect example of a well-intentioned law creating chaos and dysfunction in its wake. Sigh.

[saberivojo]

Agreed, Deb.

[datenshiblue]

Dude that's just wacky. Not in the good way.

[saberivojo]

Wacky good is well, good. But this...I agree hon.