The Most Powerful Law in the Universe

The New York Times has an interesting article about the unintended consequences of otherwise desirable laws. The authors show how the Americans with Disability Act and the Endangered Species Act created a reaction that totally nullifies their respective intended results.
Primarily, these adverse effects come about to prove the ingenuity of the human mind. Like the tax code, it is a stimulus to become creative. And meanwhile, the proponents of the legislation are left scratching their heads.
From the article:

So does this mean that every law designed to help endangered animals, poor people and the disabled is bound to fail? Of course not. But with a government that is regularly begged for relief — these days, from mortgage woes, health-care costs and tax burdens — and with every presidential hopeful making daily promises to address these woes, it might be worth encouraging the winning candidate to think twice (or even 8 or 10 times) before rushing off to do good. Because if there is any law more powerful than the ones constructed in a place like Washington, it is the law of unintended consequences.

Have you ever noticed that the ones who propose laws or regulations are never as creative as those who find a way around them? I am reminded of this effect whenever anyone starts talking about using the government to solve the health insurance "Crisis."
I blame it on the impetuosity of youth that actually thinks that government regulation can always make a difference. Luckily, they almost always grow up, unless they stay Democrats.