Were after power and we mean it. You fellows were pikers, but we know the real trick, and you'd better get wise to it.
There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals, one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws.
Who wants a nation of law-abiding citizens? What's there it that for anyone?
But just pass the kind of laws that can neither be observed nor enforced nor objectively interpreted,and you create a nation of lawbreakers, and then you cash in.
Now that's the system, Mr. Rearden, that's the game, and once you understand it, you'll be much easier to deal with.
Atlas Shrugged
I repaired (not replaced) a 36 year old deck this spring by just replacing the posts and deck boards and reinforcing the old joists with metal plates. Deck is about 2 feet off the ground. Now remember, the rest the original structure was untouched and again a repair. I will be receiving “suggestions” to bring it up to present code. (steaming)