“Not every human problem deserves a law”

A veto message from Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown, after the California legislature passed a bill imposing a fine on children or their parents or guardians for skiing or snowboarding without a helmet: “While I appreciate the value of wearing a ski helmet,” wrote the governor, “I am concerned about the continuing and seemingly inexorable transfer of authority from parents to the state.” [John Myers, KQED; text of veto message]

7 Comments

  • The whole world is upside-down. I find myself agreeing with Jerry Brown more and more often.

  • A rational response from Jerry Brown? Inconceivable!

    Hundreds of bills are now on their way to his office, bills on which he must act by October 10.

    Clearly there must be a shortage of laws in California.

  • wow, is Jerry Brown changing as he grows older or is the rest of the legislature getting nuttier?

  • Wonderful decision by Brown. The fact that this law passed at all shows that mandatory seatbelt laws were but a wedge designed to thrust liberal busybodies into every aspect of our personal lives; if we can be forced to buckle-up, we can be forced to wear bike helmets, snowboarding helmets, and Lord knows what else. Glad someone is resisting, even if the line is drawn at snowboarding.

  • For many years, Jerry Brown has been more willing to consider small-government arguments than most Democratic legislators in California. Even back in the 1970s, there was a surprising degree of continuity from Reagan’s governorship to his.

  • […] Via the expectedly pleasing Walter Olson. […]

  • […] a helmet, it was met by his veto pen. More importantly, here’s what he had to say (Hat-tip: Overlawyered): While I appreciate the value of wearing a ski helmet, I am concerned about the continuing and […]