"... 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. ......just pass the the kind of laws that can neither be observed nor enforced nor 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." - p.411, Ayn Rand, ATLAS SHRUGGED, Signet Books, NY, 1957
What's the verdict on jay-walking?
In agreement with your post, I always remember the quote by, I think, Jefferson: ( paraphrased, )If you want the people to abide by the laws, don't pass any laws that the people won't abide. :-)