American Nanny State

Washington Times: Editorial: Sodas, Cigarettes and the Nanny State

I’m against the nanny state as well because it implies that government or elitists in government know best how to manage individuals lives them the individuals themselves including people they do not know very well. That individuals are basically stupid and too dumb to decide for themselves what to eat, drink and manage their own personal affairs. And we have a long history of nanny state politics going to the Great Depression with alcohol prohibition and perhaps even further than that.

But what separates me from some on the Right who claim to be against big government and the nanny state until they are in favor of it. But then say “this is not big government, but good responsible government looking after the welfare of everyone” is that I’m against big government and the nanny state, period. I do not say I’m against it except when I’m in favor of it. I don’t defend Americans right to drink or smoke, eat junk food why I’m telling Americans who they can sleep with. Or what music they can listen to, or what TV and movies they can watch.

To be against the nanny state you have to be against the nanny state. And that night sound like an obvious statement, but there are people both on the Right when it comes to alcohol, tobacco and junk food to use as examples who claim to be against the nanny state and looking after our individual freedom while at the same time are trying to ban homosexuality, or pornography or other forms of entertainment they personally do not approve of for the good of our general welfare.

There are three options when it comes to the nanny state.

1. You are in favor of it whether you are on the Right or Left.

2. You are against it whether you are on the Right or Left.

3. You are selectively in favor of it and against it whether you are on the Right or Left. You like the nanny state over here while you are against it over there.

But don’t try to convince people of your opposition to big government and the nanny state on one hand while you are embracing it on the other hand.