Right and wrong: Changing laws is a good thing; but

breaking them is not

Editorial

We all (hopefully) learn when we are little that there is a right way to do things and a wrong way to do things.

This week, a group of more than a dozen local men picked the wrong way to do things.

A group of 18 members of the Fishtrap ATV & Recreation Club were caught illegally riding ATVs on public land. This group has publicly and repeatedly said they want ATV trails at Fishtrap Lake.

We’re fine with that.

They also have gained the support of many local lawmakers and politicians — we’re fine with that, too.

What we’re not fine with is the decision to take the law into their own hands, and simply start breaking a law they think should be changed.

What is the difference between this and a teenager who smokes pot because he thinks it should be legal? What about an 18-year-old who drinks beer because he’s decided the drinking age should be 18?

In our opinion, there’s no difference.

If you want to change a law, that’s great. We live in a democracy, and we encourage citizens to get involved in causes they believe in.

But do it appropriately — and legally.

Because these men deliberately broke the law, we hope they are held accountable for their actions. Frankly, we totally disagree with state Rep. Keith Hall, who called the Director of the Department of Natural Resources Monday in an attempt to get the citations voided or “nullified.” “It’s a shame our 18 people were cited,” Hall said.

It’s not a shame — they broke the law and they deserved to be cited. Having the citations voided is the last thing that should happen.

What’s more, Hall, as a lawmaker, has a responsibility to uphold the law, not to encourage law-breaking. The days of taking the law into your own hands have passed.

Plus, what kind of message does this send to local kids about the seriousness of breaking the law, or about taking repsponsibility for our actions? In our opinion, it’s the wrong kind.