In 1241 the danish king signed the first major law of the land. The law itself is pretty much outdated, but its preamble is still a very useful explanation of ‘why laws?’

Allow me to quote it fully and then mark a few bits that I consider important in 2025.

With law shall the country be built but if all men were content with what is theirs and let others enjoy the same right, there would be no need for a law. But no law is as good as the truth, but if one wonders what the truth is, then shall the law show the truth. If the land had no law, then he would have the most who could grab the most by force… The law must be honest, just, reasonable and according to the ways of the people. It must meet their needs and speak plainly, so that all men may know and understand, what the law is. It is not to be made in any man’s favor, but for the needs of all them who live in the land. No man shall judge contrary to the law, which the king has given and the country chosen. […] neither shall he [the king] take it back without the will of the people.

Now, this, of course is just a tiny local law based on ideas from the countries further to the south of denmark. But it holds some concepts that all who dabble in lawmaking ought to consider.

And should you insist that it did, this gentleman from the Ministry of Love would like to talk to you about your apparent delusions.

Trade is unlikeky to return. There was a short us-eu tariffs War during Trumps first presidency. I think it was on fruit. The buyers found suppliers in other countries and havent returned.

This time around the eu tariff warriors are going for about 100 times as much in tariffs and are attacking republican mainstays, such as louisiana (som beans) where the republican speaker Mike Johnson got his mandate.

Trump will rage and consider it election interference. We will snicker and ignore that.