A while back, this newspaper ran a column that made light of jaywalking. I do my best to obey these laws, and I think it's good to go about my daily affairs while honoring those rules.

Others aren't as scrupulous about this as I am. It's strange to be a nonconformist just by following the law. Although it might be better if I didn't stand out in this way, I can't change just to be like others. Law-abiding behavior is appropriate.

One of the benefits of respecting the law is that the job of the police is easier. When people obey the law on their own, the police don't have to work so hard. And I'll bet that if enough people did that, it would lead to less big crime, too.

But the biggest benefit is a clear conscience. Whether or not one gets caught for such a simple little infraction as jaywalking is not what counts. Knowing that one's conduct is beyond reproach gives a certain self-assurance and peace. It is actually the purpose of the law to point the way to freedom. When we learn that living in harmony with rational order and self-control leads to happiness, the law has done its job with us.

Jaywalking enforcement may seem like a little thing, but little things mean a lot. Getting a ticket is really a blessing in disguise. It's a chance to grow in maturity, taking that step enables us to see the police as our friends.

All that is necessary is to be in agreement with the idea of the law, and then to just begin to follow it. An easy way to start is to practice in a relaxed way, when there is no rush. Gradually life will become more relaxed too. The police will appreciate those efforts also.

Jeffrey P. Bedolla

San Jose

Business obstruction
makes us all losers

I'm wondering if the micromanaging of prospective businesses on the Lincoln Avenue has parallels with what happened in San Jose 50 years ago, and is what has brought us the downtown that we have today?

Back then Macy's entry was rebuffed, so the store moved to the city's outskirts. Other business such as Dolce Spazio in Los Gatos folded its Willow Glen branch long ago for lack of support, even though Willow Glen seems to be striving to replicate Los Gatos.

If well-capitalized businesses that want to come into Willow Glen are discouraged, what will the remaining pool of prospective investors look like?

Our number one priority should be achieving vitality along the avenue. And while I'm not keen on another Starbuck's, I think vitality is the primary consideration.

Constant tinkering by the city's redevelopment agency "experts" has for decades sought to make downtown San Jose viable. Can Willow Glen activists do better for the avenue, because I'm afraid the obstruction of businesses is simply a losing proposition for us all.

Jim Arbuckle

Franquette Avenue