Well, I know what you mean. But one of the interesting things I once read about change of habit is that a change in behavior PRECEDES a change in attitude. I always assumed your attitude changes first, and then your behavior changes as a result.

The implications in this case? Well, if personal behavior is forced to change because of a change in legislation then it can help to change the overall "collective consciousness" which can help society as a whole. Case in point is the seat belt law. There were tons of people who cried out against it in the name of personal liberty, but now, people feel safer when they buckle up--and they ARE more safe. But that feeling of "oh, I have to buckle up because I want to be safe" evolved AFTER months of feeling "uh-oh, I don't want to get a ticket."

Another case is smoking in public places. It amazes me that just a few years ago all of us non-smokers just tolerated horrible smoke-filled restaurants and even airplanes. Now, people can sniff out one puff of a cigarette in a large room like a bloodhound after a fox. People are forced to go outside to smoke / Awareness rises / Attitudes change / Cancer rates are dropping.

I am a strong proponent of awareness and transparency, and if it takes a law to uncover the truth and give people incentives to change their attitudes and behaviors, well, I'm not completely opposed, frankly. I'd rather be a victim of legislation of a paltry law that doesn't REALLY impact my personal liberty than be a victim of hidden truths.