Self-Mentoring XVI ... How can XYZ be legal?
Well, stick around and find out. Ok, now that we have the “click-bait” part done (and I’ve had a decontamination procedure), let’s look at through a mildly cynical lens on how fickle legality of one’s action can be. It’s especially on point these days when we look at what’s happening beyond the pond – as in we take a look at the totally unhinged, dementia-filled clusterfuck of past not-even-month. The question has been around social circles so much and it’s quite interesting and terrifying to watch everyone wonder. You might be tempted to ask how I seem so calm. Believe me, I’m not. But also keep in mind that the place I come from experienced this multiple times. Hell, we had it twice in past century from both sides of the spectrum (damn it, I really shouldn’t be using this analogy since I despise it so much). So, let’s dive in.
Before we get into the core, let’s take one step first. In the past, I’ve already posted this small thing:
Rules not enforced are rules non-existent. Same goes for laws.
Does it make sense? Think about it a little. You have a law, written, codified and in effect and yet you’ve never ever heard anything done with it. How come? Wild conspiracies aside, it’s either such a niche rule that it’s either redundant or it has an extremely narrow field where it applies or it’s such an idiotic law that it wouldn’t stand in any court whose workers have one functioning brain cell. Such then become unenforceable and thus de facto non-existent. It wouldn’t be surprising that you’d find examples of these in some funny books focused on collecting such laws. I had one at home and believe me, the US was about 50% of the book and it was split by states. Sorry, US folks, but your law system is really a comedy. Well, tragi-comedy these days. But I’m not here to dig a salted knife between US ribs now because whole world is being led by idiots.
Anyway, back to the topic. Speaking of unenforced/unenforceable laws, remember Article 13/15 or later Article 15/17? The Meme-pocalypse? Well, you’re almost a decade late. And by the way, the law passed and if I remember correctly, it should even be in effect. And yet, crickets. Seems like we have a nice case of the quote above.
Alright, now let’s get into something more insidious and change the quote a little:
Rules not enforced correctly might as well not exist in the first place. Same goes for laws.
What I’m saying here is basically a more fancy version of “Rules for thee but none for me”. I’m sure everyone has been on the receiving end of corrupt rule enforcement, regardless of it being to your benefit but more likely to your detriment. How did it feel? Did it feel good? If so, well, then I’m afraid you have a problem between your ears. Otherwise you felt ever-so-little slimy. Because rules should be applied consistently. Of course, circumstances apply as well which is why working in law is such an insane job and props to whoever has the guts to do this and do it right. My mental state is too fragile for this level of stress. But the core of the quote still applies and the rules must be enforced consistently within it’s constraints and boundaries.
Consistency … I swear this word will somehow attain a physical form and will keep chasing me all my life. But it’s a big part of the answer to the question in the headline. Because it’s time to present you with an answer. So:
How can XYZ be legal? That depends on who is enforcing the rule.
Here we go. Here’s the painful answer to the clusterfuck that is happening now and why certain regimes have been so efficient at taking out their “enemies”. All because they made their actions legal. And how do you challenge something that’s corrupt as hell but legal? Especially when it’s been like this for years. That’s the most difficult task because you have the system stacked against you. Lawsuit? It can be tossed away on the stupidest formality. Why? Because they said so, that’s why. By force? That’s risky not only because it can result in a stronger repressions but also someone equally evil slipping their way in and twist the noble cause to their benefit. Orwell knew this quite well; see Animal Farm.
So, what to do? Well, push back anyway. Lawfully first and when that fails, ramp up the pressure. Why? Because evil needs to stay hidden to succeed. When exposed, it’s vulnerable and its effect start eroding. How so? Because pride inevitably leads to arrogance. And if you remember, arrogance is counterfeit of confidence. The latter is the helping hand you hold when learning to walk on a tight rope. The former is the blindfold you put on before stepping on a rotting bridge over a pit.
R.R.A