It’s the Law

by John Stumpner

Most of us know that rules and laws are made by various lawmaking bodies like state and federal legislatures and local governments. But do you ever stop to think about why these groups make the rules we have to follow? Think about how confusing your playground games would be if you had no rules. No one would know what to do and the biggest or meanest person would control everything.

We need to have rules to protect ourselves, to keep order and to know what to expect from each other. Rules keep us safe because we have rules against hurting or stealing from one another. If we didn’t have some rules about how to behave with other people, a bigger person could just push smaller people out of the way, or the loudest person could control the group. When everyone follows the rules, we know what to expect, whether in class, on the playground or on the streets and highways.

Sometimes though, rules are made that may limit our freedom, that don’t really protect anyone or that we disagree with. Because we have guidelines for how the legislators are allowed to make and change rules, we can try to change those bad laws in a legal and orderly fashion.

As good citizens, we follow rules and laws, even if we don’t agree with them. However, one of the responsibilities of a good citizen is to participate in the rule making process by voting for people who will pass good laws and who will work to change the bad ones. Also, we as citizens, can let our representatives know which rules we like and which rules or laws we don’t agree with by sending them a letter or an email or by giving them a telephone call. As you already know, ABATE of Wisconsin gives the motorcyclists of Wisconsin a united voice and members participate in the law making process by monitoring what new laws are being considered by our legislators and letting them know if we agree with the new law or rule or we don’t agree. As Junior Patriots and future ABATE of Wisconsin members, you can learn about how this process works and follow lawmaking results so when you are old enough to vote yourself, you will know how to decide which legislators to vote for and those that will help make any changes you want to see made. Right now, you can help to make sure you follow the rules already in place and that everyone gets along.