Posted by parallel
This from Bob Ludwick

It will be of little avail to the people that the laws are made by men of their own choice, if the laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood; if they be repealed before they are promulgated, or undergo such incessant changes that no man who knows what the law is today can guess what it will be tomorrow." -- James Madison (1751-1836), Father of the Constitution, 4th US President, Source: "Federalist" # 62

Our current rulers understand those principles well and are expanding the volume of the laws and regulations as rapidly as they are able, while at the same time ensuring that NO ONE understands them. Or CAN understand them. That policy, combined with the time honored principle that 'Ignorance of the law is no excuse.' has already given them near absolute, and more importantly, arbitrary power. Add the upcoming energy law that will give them regulatory authority over every activity that either produces or consumes energy and we will find ourselves in the situation where everything not commanded is forbidden. Which was the object all along.