I don't have a dog in that fight

I'm in Amsterdam at a trade fair this week and have had the opportunity to walk around the town a bit. Today's trek took me through some of the many parks and green spaces that dot the cityscape.

I was impressed by the number and quality of the parks. I was impressed by the scores of people - both young and old, singles, couple and groups, eating, reading, walking and riding.

But what struck me most of all were the dogs.

Dogs of every kind, size, breed, sex and age.

Dogs laying at their owner's feet.

Dogs fetching thrown objects.

Dogs playing tug-of-war with each other for a stick.

Dogs wading and swimming.

Dogs pacing their running, trotting, walking and riding owners.

But not one of the dogs had a collar or a leash. Not one!

Perhaps this is in keeping with the ethos of a city that tolerates legal public drinking, marijuana smoking and prostitution.

Perhaps it was a coincidence.

Perhaps it was a sign of the coming of the Messiah.

My theory, however, is that in the absence of strict leash laws (like those that litter the law books of American towns and cities) dogs and owners learn to behave properly.

I think that the freedom to misbehave actually creates a more disciplined environment. Dogs and dog owners self-policed and created a situation that justifies the absence of leash laws.

Would it only be so in our society. If people would self regulate, governments would not feel compelled to legislate our every thought, word and deed.

With freedom comes responsibility.

With responsbility comes freedom.