Save Our Statutes?

Here's a deceptively simple question for your table:

Does a law have to make sense to you in order to follow it?

I'm not talking about a law that you disagree with.

I'm talking about a law that simply doesn't make sense, that seems irrational.

For example:

• When you go to Hawaii, it's illegal to place a coin in your ear.
• If you're a woman in Toledo, you may not wear patent leather shoes in public.
• Residents of or visitors to Delaware are barred from selling the hair of a dog or cat.
• In Alabama, it's illegal to drive blindfolded.
• In Vermont, women must have written permission from their husbands to be fitted for false teeth.
• In New Jersey, bullet-proof vests are banned while committing murder.
• New York Penal Law 240.35 makes it illegal to congregate in public with two or more people while each is wearing a mask or any face covering that disguises their identity (!).
• Similarly, In North Carolina, it's illegal to hold a meeting or demonstration while wearing a mask, hood or other costume.
• Also in New York, it has been widely reported that in case you want to stroll outside in your pajamas late at night, slippers are not to be worn after 10 pm; however, I have not been able to substantiate this unhappy rumor. (Good news, though, for NY shoppers - certain clothing items are exempt from sales tax.)

I'm sure some astute readers can see the perfect reasonableness of these laws. But what about those of us who cannot? Should we follow or ignore them?

Second question for your table: If you were king or queen, would you create only laws that make sense to your people, or would there be any reason to issue some laws that people don't understand?

Shabbat Shalom.

PS - This pigeon pic reminded me of the item which you can see if you click on it, which reminded me of this hilarious video you may enjoy.

PPS - Shopping on Amazon? Please use https://smile.amazon.com and Amazon will donate a % of the sale to the non-profit of your choice (such as Jewish Spiritual Literacy), at no extra cost to you. Why not?

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