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I think we can all agree that we would like less regulation on us when we are trying to do something, but I wonder how much less regulation we would accept on o

I think we can all agree that we would like less regulation on us when we are trying to do something, but I wonder how much less regulation we would accept on others who are trying to do something we don't like? I don't think many want to live in a world with no regulation, because some idiot would dumping old cars in the river by our house. I don't know if we're over-regulated or that the world has become more complicated. Sunshine rights over buildings is a good example of an issue that didn't exist years ago. You could make the case that we're under-regulated in an area such as crypto finance.

systemvoltage 4y ago
Those regulations can stay. If you ever worked on a complex highly regulated space such as architecture/construction; there are lot of things that get piled up that make no sense whatsoever even diving into the history and context of why it was written. For example, Oregon's gas pump law (you cannot fill your own gas), I remember diving into the actual law and reasons behind it said something along the lines of "Because it is dangerous to walk outside in rainy weather and fill your own gas". It was a while ago and I can't find the text, but it was something absurd like this, I'll edit the comment with the factual info. Anyhow, legislators write laws to fulfill their campaign promises and they may not be in the interest of the benefit of the society, especially in the long term. Edit, I found it: ORS 480.315(4) The dangers of crime and slick surfaces described in subsection (3) of this section are enhanced because Oregon’s weather is uniquely adverse, causing wet pavement and reduced visibility; ORS 480.315(15) Self-service dispensing at retail presents a health hazard and unreasonable discomfort to persons with disabilities, elderly persons, small children and those susceptible to respiratory diseases; https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_480.315 https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_480.315
- makeitdouble 4y ago
  Caveat that the text of the laws is often disconnected from what they are there for. For instance I've seen many local laws explained as "preserving local heritage and historic places" when their actual intended effect is to block affordable housing. I assume you also see specific building rules that increase the building cost for seemingly no reason, when in practice it helps ruling out low income people moving in. That's from the top of my head, but I'd expect most laws going further that "don't kill people" to be at least half motivated by something else that the stated intent.
- philsnow 4y ago
  Say what you will about politics in Texas, but one thing they do that seems really right is institutionalized de-institutionalization via the Sunset Advisory Commission [0], whose job it is to periodically review government agencies' efficiency and relevance etc and provide a recommendation as to whether the pre-planned, automatic abolition of each agency should go forward or should be stayed another 12 years. [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunset_Advisory_Commission https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunset_Advisory_Commission
- michaelwww 4y ago
  I lived in Oregon for awhile and it was commonly said that this was a make work program for reformed felons trying to turn their lives around, like a starter job out of prison.
StanislavPetrov 4y ago
The need for regulation is directly relation to population size, which is ironic because many of those who are in favor of deregulation are also in favor of unlimited "growth". If you are the only person on the planet, you don't need laws and you don't need regulations - they are moot by definition. If there are 10 people on the planet, they could each have a coal burning power plant that is 1% efficient and still have no measurable impact on the environment. The number of people you jam onto the lifeboat is directly proportional to the number of rules and regulations you need to manage the interpersonal relationships, scarcity of resources and the consequences of behavior on the finite environment.

systemvoltage 4y ago

Those regulations can stay. If you ever worked on a complex highly regulated space such as architecture/construction; there are lot of things that get piled up that make no sense whatsoever even diving into the history and context of why it was written. For example, Oregon's gas pump law (you cannot fill your own gas), I remember diving into the actual law and reasons behind it said something along the lines of "Because it is dangerous to walk outside in rainy weather and fill your own gas". It was a while ago and I can't find the text, but it was something absurd like this, I'll edit the comment with the factual info. Anyhow, legislators write laws to fulfill their campaign promises and they may not be in the interest of the benefit of the society, especially in the long term. Edit, I found it: ORS 480.315(4) The dangers of crime and slick surfaces described in subsection (3) of this section are enhanced because Oregon’s weather is uniquely adverse, causing wet pavement and reduced visibility; ORS 480.315(15) Self-service dispensing at retail presents a health hazard and unreasonable discomfort to persons with disabilities, elderly persons, small children and those susceptible to respiratory diseases; https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_480.315 https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_480.315

makeitdouble 4y ago
Caveat that the text of the laws is often disconnected from what they are there for. For instance I've seen many local laws explained as "preserving local heritage and historic places" when their actual intended effect is to block affordable housing. I assume you also see specific building rules that increase the building cost for seemingly no reason, when in practice it helps ruling out low income people moving in. That's from the top of my head, but I'd expect most laws going further that "don't kill people" to be at least half motivated by something else that the stated intent.
philsnow 4y ago
Say what you will about politics in Texas, but one thing they do that seems really right is institutionalized de-institutionalization via the Sunset Advisory Commission [0], whose job it is to periodically review government agencies' efficiency and relevance etc and provide a recommendation as to whether the pre-planned, automatic abolition of each agency should go forward or should be stayed another 12 years. [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunset_Advisory_Commission https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunset_Advisory_Commission
michaelwww 4y ago
I lived in Oregon for awhile and it was commonly said that this was a make work program for reformed felons trying to turn their lives around, like a starter job out of prison.

StanislavPetrov 4y ago

The need for regulation is directly relation to population size, which is ironic because many of those who are in favor of deregulation are also in favor of unlimited "growth". If you are the only person on the planet, you don't need laws and you don't need regulations - they are moot by definition. If there are 10 people on the planet, they could each have a coal burning power plant that is 1% efficient and still have no measurable impact on the environment. The number of people you jam onto the lifeboat is directly proportional to the number of rules and regulations you need to manage the interpersonal relationships, scarcity of resources and the consequences of behavior on the finite environment.