You think that the laws we have today don't affect people's lives? Endangered species act - letting the government seize a farmer's farm because he ploughed up a couple of rat burrows in his field. Gun control - getting shot by the feds because you had a gun 1/4 inch too short. Wetlands protection being denied the use of your property because you have puddles on it after heavy rains? And what about the Texas woman who was dragged off in handcuffs for violating a seat belt law? And slavery? What is working 40% of your time for the government but 40% slavery? I could go on and on, but to say these don't affect people's lives is silly.
I would think that all of those would pale in comparison to being someone's slave.
BTW, you don't get shot for having a barrel too short. I know someone who got busted for it and all he got was a fine.