The College Fix

OPINION: First they came for incandescent light bulbs, but I prefer natural light, so I did not speak out.

As 2013 slipped inexorably into 2014, resolutions regarding weight loss, exercise and all manner of self-improvement rolled through our brains. 

Our ever-expanding government, with its infinite wisdom and self-proclaimed good intentions, also has a resolution: Further increase the limits on our personal freedoms.

On Jan. 1 of this year, regulations approved in 2007 and signed into law by President George W. Bush took full effect, banning incandescent light bulbs.

The 40- and 60-watt variety are now forbidden in the United States, following in the footsteps of the 100- and 75-watt bulbs, phased out over the past few years, per the law.

According to the White House website, the ban will save the average American money on their electricity bill.

Even if these new bulbs can save some Americans money over the longterm, depending on their circumstances, the law is still infuriating.

We as consumers should be allowed to decide how we spend our money, and whether we prefer to save by buying cheaper bulbs or more expensive bulbs that save us in energy costs.

That law got me thinking about everything the government seeks to outlaw from our lives. And I can only wonder: where does it end?

First they came for incandescent light bulbs, but I prefer natural light, so I did not speak out.

Then they came for cigarettes, but I’m not a smoker, so I did not speak out.

Then they prohibited dodge ball, but I’m out of elementary school, so I did not speak out.

Then they banned trans fats, but I do not eat Twinkies, so I did not speak out.

Then they banned soft drinks, but I’m a water drinker, so I did not speak out.

Then they insisted children bring only healthy snacks to school, but I’m not a parent, so I didn’t speak out.

Then they outlawed all personal compliments in the workplace, but I work from home, so I did not speak out.

Then they decided all bike riders must wear helmets, but I like to walk, so I didn’t speak out.

Then they forbade “Merry Christmas,” but I do not celebrate Christmas, so I did not speak out.

Then they mandated the purchase of health care plans, but I’m on my parent’s plan, so I did not speak out.

Then they banned haggis, but I am not Scottish, so I did not speak out.

Then they forbade prayer in public school classrooms, but I attended a parochial school, so I did not speak out.

Then they outlawed wood-burning fireplaces, but I enjoy San Diego winters, so I did not speak out.

Then they banned alcohol at beaches and parks, but I don’t much like beer, so I did not speak out.

Then they legislated the size of mesh allowed in screens at old-age homes, but I won’t be living there for a while, so I did not speak out.

Then they regulated the water pressure in showerheads, but I prefer baths, so I did not speak out.

Then they mandated that vending machines must reflect calorie counts, but I bring snacks from home, so I did not speak out.

Then they forced millions of individuals to obtain government licenses before starting a new business, but I’m not an entrepreneur, so I did not speak out.

Then they removed the Ten Commandments from government property, but I know them by heart, so I did not speak out.

Then they excoriated a talk show host for not using politically correct terminology, but I don’t operate from a national platform, so I did not speak out.

Then they managed to gut the First Amendment …

And then no one could speak out.

(With respect to Martin Niemöller)

College Fix contributor Emily Yavitch is a student at San Diego State University.

IMAGE: CraftyGoat/Flickr

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