Judith Wingo (letter, Aug. 17) seems to think human beings would be savages if not for their precious rules, implying we wouldn't know how to behave if some authority didn't command us.
I believe it is not rules that rule most adults; it's conscience. People behave because it's in their own interests as well as society's, not for fear of punishment. Sure, there are exceptions: a few conscienceless ones for whom rules are meaningless. Attempting to control these, we needlessly restrict the blameless majority.
Too many rules make life oppressive. Not that all are bad. Certainly we must legislate against anything that's truly harmful. The rule Wingo cited doesn't qualify. A few dozen fans bringing juice or dietetic food to First Horizon Park would not result in "chaos." The only thing that rule protects is the vendors' bottom line. But their merchandise may be unsuitable for special diets.
When a rule is broken, let's not assume the fault always lies with the perpetrator; sometimes it's overzealous rule-makers who assume everyone bows to their basest instincts. Enforcement can produce more harm than infractions.
I propose a new rule: "Thou shalt not make rules against anything that is harmless."
Valerie Putney
Greensboro
Comments (3)
Valerie - Paul Elledge would like to talk to you.
Posted by yellowdog | August 23, 2005 8:42 AM
Maybe you're right and it's all about greedy vendors but I think there might be a little more to it. Unfortunately, there are those who would fill a water bottle with vodka, sit there and get smashed, act stupid and ruin the game for other spectators. Yes, I know they serve beer at the games but since they're serving it they have at least a little control over it and can cut people off who appear intoxicated. I know there's no good way (short of frisking people) to alleviate this problem but at least with these rules they're not allowing it to happen under their noses.
Posted by Kel | August 23, 2005 9:38 AM
Good letter, Valerie.
Kel, I agree that there is always the possiblity that people are going to sneak drinks in the game. Those folks will probably never be caught, however. They will just carry their flask and be done with it. Other's may just down a 6-pack before going in. Once again, they may or may not get caught.
I guess what I'm trying to say is this. The rule as I've seen it discussed isn't going to affect these people. The only ones getting turned away are the ones who are carrying their juice ups, etc out in the open for security to see.
Posted by truth | August 23, 2005 10:33 AM