The Other Side

With laws like the proposed helmet bill, we can't help but ask, "What's next?" Is Indiana responsible for our actions, or are we responsible for ourselves? When did government intervention in our lives become justified? \nLaws such as the Patriot Act have taken away many civil liberties rights. Having a helmet law for skateboarders seems to be an attempt to control one more thing. Although our safety may be their responsibility, it doesn't invite them to control our choices. \nIssuing tickets for violations of the law seems ridiculous. Even a warning, then a ticket and then a more expensive ticket for subsequent violations will prevent others from not wearing a helmet. This law mostly pertains to kids. How do they expect to enforce this when they don't have direct income? What will happen if they don't pay? Are they going to be banned from a skate park? This is robbing the parents.\nIf passed, the proposed law would be similar to the state seat belt law by trying to control our actions by stating they are protecting us.\nNext up: A national law prohibiting citizens to go out after dark.\n-- City and state editor Andrea Opperman for The Other Side