Words On Paper

June 30, 2010 by Bradley Jardis
Filed under: Issues, News, Police

What is it about words being written on paper that causes the vast majority of people to think that using violence is an appropriate thing? Have people no independent source of understanding the morality of an individuals actions? If I get twenty people together and nineteen agree to write down that I can use violence against the lone unfortunate twentieth person, does that make it right?

Why was it apparently virtuous to use violence and imprison someone who wished to protect a fellow human being from the horrors of chattel slavery? Words on paper.

Why is it apparently virtuous to use violence and imprison someone who wants to grow a plant on their property today? Words on paper.

Why can the people of Derry, NH enjoy the freedom to set off fireworks on a day celebrating a “free” country without violence being used on them? A screw up in locating a specific set of words on paper.

Today the Union Leader has run an article discussing how the Town of Derry, NH has a technical glitch in their enforcement of the fireworks law. The scheme used in New Hampshire to regulate (read: use violence against you if you set off fireworks in a way not specified by words on paper) allows local governments to essentially set the rules… by writing words down on paper. Those words on paper are important: they authorize violence and tell people when they can expect it.

“A phantom ordinance was cited by police and fire officials during the last regular town council meeting as the catalyst for requesting that the current council vote to ban fireworks. The council voted to table the matter, pending further discussion.”

Sorry. Words on paper existing or not existing really doesn’t make a difference here. Using violence is using violence.

“That said, if it doesn’t exist on paper, it doesn’t exist, said resident Mike Gill, who objects to police persistence in reinforcing such an ordinance.”

It is sad that a super majority of people in our society think that the words being written down on paper are what make all the difference in whether violence is right or wrong. I used to be one of them using violence at the behest of words on paper.

“”I am opposed to the town of Derry spending my tax dollars for what I consider a nuisance ordinance or silly attacks on my personal freedoms when this is something already covered under a state RSA,” said Gill.”

This gentleman is on the right track… but it is unfortunate that he thinks the use of violence should only be stopped because there are other words on paper authorizing violence for other reasons.

“”The only time I permit fireworks is when a person has a pyrotechnic license,” (the Derry police chief) said.”

Allow me to translate this: “The only time I will not use violence against someone setting off fireworks is if they have a piece of paper.”

“Under state RSA 160:B, “Any person 21 years of age or older may display permissible fireworks on private property with the written consent of the owner, or in the owners presence, except in a municipality which has voted to prohibit display.””

Allow me to translate that: “A person 21 years of age or older may display fireworks without being subjected to violence so long as he or she does so on private property with the written permission of the owner, or in the owners presence. Displaying fireworks in a geographical area which has written down words on paper saying you cannot display fireworks will subject you to violence notwithstanding one’s displaying of fireworks allowed by words written on paper.”

Being the one to initiate violence is always wrong… even if words on paper say otherwise.

Paul

Great article! Personally, I'd add a caveat to the last line, for defensive violence. I'm not a total pacifist, although I know good people who are (I went to a Mennonite church for a while).
Bradley Jardis

Thank you Paul.

You are correct… I changed it to "Being the one to initiate violence"
Zeus

"”I am opposed to the town of Derry spending my tax dollars for what I consider a nuisance ordinance or silly attacks on my personal freedoms…" – Mike Gill

Allow me to translate:

"I am opposed to a bunch of thieves dominating the geographical location known as Derry using the money they stole from me to fund their aggression against me."

Then stop paying them, Mike. These parasites depend on producers of wealth (tax cattle) like you to feed on. Denying them the fruits of your labor denies them the ability to fund their aggression.
Bradley Jardis

Good translation Zeus.

This fellow sounds like he is on the right path. He could use some friendly nudging and other information/ideas to see more of the issues he faces.

This person seems like a good example of a typical New Hampshirian…… Someone who just wants to be left alone.
thinkliberty

The thieves dominating the geographical location known as Derry will become violent, if anyone stops paying them.

If Mike stops paying the parasites in Derry (like you suggest) they will put a gun to his head and steal his home and car. They will pull the trigger, if Mike doesn't let them steal his property.
Zeus

Well, they're going to aggress against Mike one way or another. When the consequences of doing nothing become greater than the consequences of doing something, perhaps then he will choose liberty.
Gabe

I am opposed to the town of Derry spending my tax dollars for what I consider a nuisance ordinance or silly attacks on my personal freedoms when this is something already covered under a state RSA,” said Gill.

What's a "RSA"?
bil

I know it goes against the grain,but if enough people start seeing where their money is going,and challenging it,the concept of actual freedom may be seen by the masses.If they get mad about spending on this,them maybe it won't get spent-(supposedly) less taxes.Then just keep pointing out the other small ways the money is wasted,bit by bit,and freedom eroded the same way.We don't have to convince each other,it is people like Mike Gill that need the convincing,they already see the beginning.It will not all come at once,it will be a few at a time. —bil
Zeus

RSA: Revised Statutes Annotated. This is New Hampshire's "bible of laws" (where they put all the punishable Words on Paper). It is, more or less, the state equivalent to the "Uniform Code" used by the federal government.