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It's all very well to run around saying regulation is bad…

“It's all very well to run around saying regulation is bad, get the government off our backs, etc. Of course our lives are regulated. When you come to a stop sign, you stop; if you want to go fishing, you get a license; if you want to shoot ducks, you can shoot only three ducks. The alternative is…” quote by Molly Ivins
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“It's all very well to run around saying regulation is bad, get the government off our backs, etc. Of course our lives are regulated. When you come to a stop sign, you stop; if you want to go fishing, you get a license; if you want to shoot ducks, you can shoot only three ducks. The alternative is dead bodies at the intersections, no fish and no ducks. OK?”

Molly Ivins

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Regulation is necessary for safety and order; rejecting it entirely leads to chaos and harm.

In simple terms: Rules keep society safe; no rules = danger.

Key Takeaway

Accept reasonable regulations for public safety.

Themes

regulation public safety balance

Mood

analytical cautious

Type

opinion political commentary

When to use this quote

  • traffic laws
  • fishing licenses
  • hunting limits
  • urban planning

Key Concepts

policy analysis risk management

Questions to Reflect On

  • What regulations protect you daily?
  • When might regulation be excessive?
A Different Perspective

Over‑regulation can stifle freedom and innovation.

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