Curfew laws. They're not just for kids anymore!

Modern America means every unconstitutional idea that flips out of a politician's mouth is allowed to grow unabated until nobody dares to challenge it.

The right-wing microinitiative in this story is one to watch - and the time to fight it is now. We can't afford to wait 5 years like everyone did with the Sudafed logs.

Officials in Paterson, New Jersey, are considering a nighttime curfew ordinance that would apply not just to young people but also to adults of all ages.

Under this law, nobody of any age would be allowed to be outside between midnight and 7 AM. This would likely be the first citywide all-ages curfew anywhere in America (except "emergency" curfews that are trotted out every so often, usually to suppress dissent). Violations would carry stiff penalties: 90 days in the slammer and a $2,000 fine.

I don't even need to tell you this is unconstitutional under the safeguard for freedom of association. Since you read this blog (as all cool people do), you know that.

Indeedity-doodledy, even youth curfews in nearby cities have already been ruled unconstitutional. How does the city of Paterson expect to be able to impose a curfew on adults?

Avidly DLC Mayor Jose Torres boasted, "We're trying to think outside the box." By putting the people of Paterson in a box?

Damn. I miss the '70s. In my day, we usually didn't have to worry about the Constitution being suspended wholesale just on a whim. I think this story proves once again that American society has actually moved backwards over the past 30 years.

(Source: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iOGJmr5Dp-redxBbiPI2iyEZ7ZpAD9A5IUEG0)