For some wacky reason, the idea of government enforcing good manners makes me nervous. It’s already a reality in Singapore – check out their Singapore Kindness Movement.
I had the pleasure of visting Singapore a few years ago. It’s an interesting place, with a government that strongly believes in Capitalism. It also, on the other hand, strongly believes in government enforcement of propriety. Chewing gum is illegal. Spitting is an arrestable offense, as is jaywalking. Big Brother-type signs are everywhere, reminding the populace that they are being watched and that they should behave as mandated by “society” (ie. the government). Here’s an excellent example — it’s a photo I took in the heavily Indian section of Singapore:
