How the Rule of Law Helps Us Buy Flax Seed Oil
Here’s a little story — true of course — about how rule of law operates for our benefit.
Like many people with aging parents, I sometimes am surprised to see what they have gotten into. When I was home for the holidays, I noticed how they have become enthusiasts for various health food fads.
My father wanted my help buying flax seed oil. I’m not quite sure what are the benefits of the stuff, but apparently it serves as a remedy against everything from heart disease to cancer.
When I went online to order, my father informed me it was important that I choose an American source. He warned me against Chinese options.
It happens that my parents are from China themselves. Their concern about products originating there is not simple bigotry.
My father explained that you could not have confidence buying anything you would ingest, if it came from China. He was wary of food, drink, drugs, and vitamins marked “made in China.”
It might not be what the label says. It could be a knockoff, or contaminated, or both. (He also wanted the biggest, cheapest bottle of flax seed oil I could find. I won’t add inappropriate ethnic stereotyping about saving money.)
My parents are smarter than I usually give them credit for. The odds are much better buying American. We take for granted the bona fides of flax seed oil. The reason we can do so is rule of law.
Here, we have an independent judiciary, advocates representing clients and causes, and a set of principles enacted democratically. Government regulation is applied by and large free of corruption. Regardless of whether they are directly covered by rules, goods of all types are evaluated by independent consumer organizations that publish with freedom of speech. Intellectual property assures brands can enforce their integrity. While workers and the environment alike are protected, tort liability empowers anyone who is harmed.
The rule of law seems to be perennially under attack. Even as we promote it overseas, we denounce it at home. Yet if we take a look at even how we purchase flaxseed oil, law turns out to be essential.
Photo: AlishaV/Flickr, used under a Creative Commons license.
Senior Executive with extensive experience in Corporate Transformation utilizing Technology, Analytics, and Data
11 年I doubt that Dean Wu is as naive as some of the comments would make you think. He specifically says, "Here, we have ..." focusing on a single area where the rule of law improves our lives. Does anyone believe that there is no corruption or opportunity for corruption of the law - of course, not. (and believe me, living in NJ, there's plenty of corruption! ) But, by and large, and evidenced by the large number of recalls that happen, the rule of law has created a safe environment for consumers.
Safety Consultant and Trainer at Frank Kushnir Consulting
11 年We need to label GMO's - More informed persons = better decisions are made
Senior Advisor - Data Protection Officer
11 年It is lovely to read about a complex concept explained in such a simplistic and personal way. Rule of law means that everyone is equal under the law. Meaning, like Mr Wu suggested, we as individuals have the right and resources available to us to stand up for ourselves if a wrong is done to us. It is a pity that some of us blame the law, when really we are frustrated with the system and corruption within.
Director, MY ACTIVITY CENTRE, (Person with special needs) Mumbai
11 年Hello, This is Vikas ghogare (Special Educator) working for mentally challenged people in Mumbai. Contact : 9967230185
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11 年This article has largely referred to the content, substance and results of the law, rather than its meta-structure to which the rule of law applies. It's a rather romantic view of the rule of law that has failed in many places: to oppress and subject constraints on individual freedoms. Though I do believe the rule of law has a place.