[goldstategop]

I too am skeptical of their effectiveness. But a patient has the right to disregard professional medical advice even if it goes against his best interests. Its a free country and people ought to be allowed to decide what's best for them even if that ends up being a mistake. Part of living in a free society comes with the realization being free means being allowed to fail as well as to succeed. And that is a matter to be left up to the individual's judgment.

(Go Israel, Go! Slap 'Em, Down Hezbullies.)

[TheRedSoxWinThePennant]

I agree 100% I think this ruling is an outrage. Unless the parents are proven to me incompetent or abusive the child has a right to any rx he wants.

[MarcusTulliusCicero]

You are exactly correct. We like to concentrate only on the positive side of freedom. But as inherent in the ability to choose what is best for oneself is also the ability to choose what is worst, or even fatal. As long as this boy is not harming or infringing the rights of someone else, then it shouldn't be a matter for the state at all. But we are all aware that paternalism, especially when practiced by the state, is addictive and represents the ultimate in power.

I assume we can now expect Children's services to take custody of all obese children since their parents are obviously being negligent in allowing them to remain obese. And, of course, it won't stop there. They'll find ways to make it mandatory for adults as well.

[A. Pole]

I too am skeptical of their effectiveness.

Why?