[Red in Blue PA]

I believe the whole idea may be to pass so many laws that nobody could possibly obey them all.

"Did you really think we want those laws observed?" said Dr. Ferris. "We want them to be broken. You'd better get it straight that it's not a bunch of boy scouts you're up against... We're after power and we mean it... There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws. Who wants a nation of law-abiding citizens? What's there in that for anyone? But just pass the kind of laws that can neither be observed nor enforced or objectively interpreted – and you create a nation of law-breakers – and then you cash in on guilt. Now that's the system, Mr. Reardon, that's the game, and once you understand it, you'll be much easier to deal with." -Atlas Shrugged

[mmichaels1970]

The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals one makes them.

I knew I couldn't have thought of that on my own. It's probably been 10 years since I read the book, but I can see how it's influenced my every day thinking.