Do You Really Want to Run That Light?

The difference between the so-called first world and the third world is the pervasive belief in and adherence to the rule of law.  The so-called second world was those countries under communist rule where the law could not be ignored unless you were a high ranking party member or stoolie.  Even those exceptions had better watch their back in case their protector was disgraced or turned on them.  In our culture the rule of laws commands the culture, except, of course, where it doesn't, and that is where we all must be careful.
     The street is where I see both the best examples of the adherence to the Rule of Law and the erosion.  In a country of three hundred million, it can be going both ways at once.  When we drive in our cars, most of us adhere to the speed limit laws within ten miles per hour (always over).  We are all aware that the police will definitely enforce the speed limit laws, more in some localities than others, but for the most part, we self-police ourselves because of the Rule of Law.  Even more of us adhere to traffic signal laws, more out of necessity of safety.  Unfortunately, because the of the erosion of the rule of law, both of these examples of adherence to the rule of law are eroding.
     There are so many cars on the road, the police cannot possibly ticket all of the speeders.  Automotive technology is so advanced, it is not only reasonably safe to exceed the speed limit, you barely notice that you are breaking the limit.  Notice all of the portable radar devices that post the speed you are driving as you drive by.  Aren't you often surprised you are going so fast?
Intersections are quickly becoming more and more dangerous, not only for drivers, but for pedestrians as well.  How often do you approach a traffic signal whose green light cycle has ended and the light turns yellow and your reaction is to speed up instead of slow down.  Yellow used to mean "caution", a word that should mean "slow down and be careful."  Now it seems to shout, "Hurry up or you'll miss the light and be stuck at this intersection, needlessly."  But this is not as dangerous as the people that ignore that the yellow light has changed to red and charge through the intersection as if to say,"I am exceptional:  the light cycle allows for up to three cars to go through on red without any consequences."  The rule of law as well as reality do not allow for this.  When the light in the cross direction turns green, people go.  They do not wait for the "exceptional."
     The rule of law is also ignored by banks and corporations.  I'll give it to them that they pay lawyers outrageous fees to find ways for them to push the envelope of the law in their corporate actions.  The lawyers can find the arcane exceptions or interpretations of the laws that allow the banks and corporations to do what they want to do, despite the intent of the law.  Legislators and other leaders ignore or evade the rule of law as well.  See the reference to the "exceptional" above.  These erosions of the rule of law may well be more dangerous than running red lights at intersections.  When the People see that their Leaders do not respect the Rule of Law, it allows them not to take as seriously.  This is where the erosion begins and adherence to the Law is only done when it is convenient.
Do not go too far the other way.  A totalitarian or police state like Myanmar or North Korea uses excessive prohibitions and enforcement to attempt to control their populations.  Law enforcement in these societies has the power to over-interpret the laws to the detriment of the People.  My thrust is that a culture runs smoother, is more stable, and is much more productive if the general population buy in to the notion of the Rule of Law, whether they realize it or not.  Japan might be the best modern day example of a smoothly running society where, generally speaking, people  obey the rules and laws to the benefit of the the society.
How do we reverse the course of this trend.  The same way you get any society to improve in any way.  Education.  Education down to the youngest level and constantly, through the media, in the arts, and everywhere, all the time.  It must be the highest priority.