Idiocy Unbound

I just thought I should comment on the stupidity of something I saw the other day.

Driving around down here you will inevitably notice the big electronic signs that warn of accidents and roadwork that you are approaching while travelling. When they’re not advertising the latest crash or traffic delay however they’ve recently been flashing a warning that we’re currently under a State-wide Fire/Arson Ban and offer a number to report infractions or fires that you’ve spotted.

Now while this is admirable based on the recent drought and brushfires we’ve been having, I have to boggle at the wording of the signs. It’s a fire AND ARSON ban. Now the last time I checked the dictionary definition of arson was:

ar·son
n.
The crime of maliciously, voluntarily, and willfully setting fire to the building, buildings, or other property of another or of burning one’s own property for an improper purpose, as to collect insurance.

Now if arson is a crime and therefore illegal, wouldn’t it already be banned? Why would you include this in the sign. It’s not as if arson is allowed any other time of the year.

Oh well, just another fine example of the stupidity of humanity.