Letter: Laws must meet tests to be valid
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo is asking the State Legislature to consider a tax hike for those with $2-million incomes. Credit: Ed Betz, 2011
Newsday did its readers a great service by publishing information about the new 2012 state laws now in effect, and reviewing their meaning and consequences ["Time to obey new laws," News, Jan. 1]. Getting a well-written heads-up on matters that affect us all is very welcome.
But the headline, "Time to obey," is disconcerting. Such a title certainly would be valid in a monarchy or tyranny, or for the instruction of children, but is completely inapplicable to citizens of a republic. In a polity that is dedicated to the principles of government of, by, and for its people, particular man-made laws should only be obeyed when they are fair and their effects closely approximate justice for those involved.
Citizens need first to understand positive new laws; to consider whether the purposes they were enacted for are worthwhile; and finally, whether those purposes are likely to be achieved -- and achieved better than by possible alternative laws. If a law passes these tests, then it should be obeyed. If not, it should be challenged: by contacting the lawmakers and explaining the law's shortcomings or by acts of civil disobedience, if the issue is serious enough.
Robert M. Goldberg, Jericho
