I listened with interest to the morning news as they explained about a new curfew law. This regulation, passed by the Baltimore city council, goes into effect in just three weeks. It will be one of the toughest in the nation. I wasn't aware that there were curfews in the country. I had only heard of curfews being imposed in response to some sort of emergency or special situations. This law states children under the age of 14 must be indoors by 9pm. Those that are sixteen may stay out until 10pm. Parents of these children may be fined five hundred dollars for violations. This curfew is being imposed, according to its' supporters, to " get the children the help they need. " That is the stated purpose. The implication being that if these children are out past this time there must be a problem of some kind. Sounds like a lack of parental control to me. I am left scratching my head, is this a government issue ? Should we impose restrictions on everyone because some may have problems ? Just how much government intervention in our lives should we allow ?
There are a few exceptions to this policy. After school activities, religious activities and sporting events. There is some dissension among certain ethnic groups who feel they are being targeted. Other than that I am not hearing much resistance. Of course I realize I am listening to the main stream media and it is the station out of Baltimore. I am not too surprised to hear only positive reporting. Even though this does not directly affect me I can not help but feel a little wary. To me, this curfew, no matter how well intended, is a violation of our freedom. This is the United States of America. We do not impose restrictions upon on citizens. Why am I not hearing anything from the Civil Liberties Union ? Where are the patriots ? Is no one going to voice opposition to government mandated curfews ?
I understand the problem and issues with these " children " roaming the streets. I know the havoc they can cause. The potential for bad behavior is always present. The thing is, do we not have the right to peaceful assembly ? To restrict that right is to restrict freedom. A fine may be levied of five hundred dollars. These same children, the ones needing " help " do not come from affluent families. Just who is going to pay the fine ? And just how are the Police supposed to enforce this law ? Am I thirteen,fourteen, fifteen or twenty one ? Will it be that I do not have to show ID to vote but need one to stay out past 9 at night ?
I am just taken aback. It is troubling to me to see this curbing of freedom. What is happening to America ? Another little chip has been taken out of our freedom. For me it is just another step closer to government control. This is another attempt to govern our lives. It is frightening.
There are a few exceptions to this policy. After school activities, religious activities and sporting events. There is some dissension among certain ethnic groups who feel they are being targeted. Other than that I am not hearing much resistance. Of course I realize I am listening to the main stream media and it is the station out of Baltimore. I am not too surprised to hear only positive reporting. Even though this does not directly affect me I can not help but feel a little wary. To me, this curfew, no matter how well intended, is a violation of our freedom. This is the United States of America. We do not impose restrictions upon on citizens. Why am I not hearing anything from the Civil Liberties Union ? Where are the patriots ? Is no one going to voice opposition to government mandated curfews ?
I understand the problem and issues with these " children " roaming the streets. I know the havoc they can cause. The potential for bad behavior is always present. The thing is, do we not have the right to peaceful assembly ? To restrict that right is to restrict freedom. A fine may be levied of five hundred dollars. These same children, the ones needing " help " do not come from affluent families. Just who is going to pay the fine ? And just how are the Police supposed to enforce this law ? Am I thirteen,fourteen, fifteen or twenty one ? Will it be that I do not have to show ID to vote but need one to stay out past 9 at night ?
I am just taken aback. It is troubling to me to see this curbing of freedom. What is happening to America ? Another little chip has been taken out of our freedom. For me it is just another step closer to government control. This is another attempt to govern our lives. It is frightening.
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