Laws to protect the stupid

I don't get it, I try but I just can't understand it. Why are there so many laws out there, and more being put into effect all the time, to protect the mortally ignorant? Incidentally I'm trying to make a new ranking system for stupidity based upon the one in place for obesity.

I just read an article describing a new law that is being proposed for New York. The law will make it illegal to use an ipod, cell phone or blackberry like device while walking across a crosswalk. So this is it people, we become so dumb that they are about to outlaw the equivalent of chewing gum and walking! What's next, police escorts to ensure we get across each intersection safely?

As a kid I was taught to look both ways before crossing the street, and look how well that worked. If idiots out there don't want to bother listening to that advice and would rather take their chances with city buses and NYC cabs, I say let them. If anything they will help alert other morons to the risks. I could understand the legislation if their stupidity put others at danger, but somehow I don't think the 32 year-old lawyer on his blackberry is going to do too much damage to Bruno in the garbage truck.

Maybe lawmakers should start to pay more attention to some of the pressing issues at hand, rather than interfering with the enjoyment of the daily lives of their citizens.