We need laws in this land of ours to protect us from those who would do us harm, steal our property, etc. There are times when some of us may even need protection from ourselves. The challenge for any society that values its essential freedoms is to strike a fair balance between what is barely essential and what may be regarded as excess when it comes to the rules and regulations that govern our daily lives.

The city’s new snow removal policies have many asking whether or not a veering off into the area of excess may have been reached.

Strict timetables and the (arguably) draconian consequences of non-compliance have left a lot of Somerville residents wondering about the fairness of the city’s policies and asking where the flexibility is.

Is it realistic to expect every single tenant with sidewalks in front of their homes to be able meet the city’s requirements for snow removal? Yes, provisions are being made for the elderly and disabled to get help with this, but what about others with non-traditional work schedules, those who must travel a lot, and so on?

Nothing seems to have been mentioned about how to equitably deal with those who may have legitimate reasons for missing the city’s seemingly urgent deadline.

Of course, our sidewalks must remain clear for safe and sure passage, but a measure of understanding and latitude seems to be missing in the city’s planning process. It seems too cut-and-dried and inflexible for so many well-intentioned citizens.

Perhaps the city should reconsider what it is asking of everyone across the board, then think through the details, hopefully arriving at a more realistic view of what the right policies should actually be.