... oh, thought this was about FR... oops...
Posted on 04/09/2007 10:21:46 PM PDT by politicodc
Although I have never been compelled by "slippery slope" arguments, something has to account for the recent popularity in the government banning commonplace practices such as talking on the phone, eating fatty foods, and listening to music.
It started with the cell phone ban. Many of us did not protest the ban... after all, no one likes to deal with idiots swerving on the road with their cell phones. So when the government stepped in no one complained.
Like the cell phone ban, which seemed to catch on like wildfire, banning smoking in bars also became popular. For many, it was out of concern for employees working at bars and other establishments where there is heavy cigarette use. Others, usually nonsmokers, simply did not want to have to deal with the perceived ill affects from secondhand smoke. Soon, smoking bans were in place, putting limitations on where it was appropriate to light up a cigarette. Though this ban was met with more opposition, most people rolled over and let the government protect society from society.
More recently, there has been rampant rhetoric over trans fats. The government wanted to start a war on obesity beginning with regulating the kinds of oil restaurants are allowed to use. In effect, the government gave itself the ability to regulate the dinner table. Many were relieved that the government took action on behalf of the helpless, childlike voting populace. Others didn't care either way. So the regulation was passed in New York City and is likely to pass in many other cities and states across the nation.
As for me, I was willing to cooperate with the government regulating cell phone use. But one regulation has led to another, and the fad is only becoming more intrusive into my everyday life. For example, NYC announced that they were considering banning the use of i-Pods, MP3 players, and cell phones for people using crosswalks. Hey, I have an MP3 player! This seems like a strange way for the government to flex it's muscles, but many people do not seem to be taking notice.
In light of all of the international and domestic problems facing lawmakers, what we eat and how we entertain ourselves seems irrelevant. Yet, politicians spend their days finding ways to interfere in the way we carry out daily activities. I may not have taken offense for the first ban, but I don't need the government to protect me from smoky bars, fatty foods, or music. I can decide for myself without the interference of Big Brother.
... oh, thought this was about FR... oops...
It seems like it would all be so much easier if they were to ban liberals instead...
I thought Tavis Smiley was a big nanny-stater lefty.
It appears politicodc is another cut~n~runner who doesn’t wanna play anymore...
That’s OK, I’ve been doing that a lot myself lately. So many pings, so little time.
Tavis is a lefty, this is a new project that allows 2 liberals and one conservative (Rose) to blog on topics in the news.
I’m here, just trying to figure out how to work this whole FR thing!
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