Need a Little Help from You Guys

[admin]

Hey guys, we're working on an article about the trampling of personal freedoms and lifestyle choices - we talk about anti-smoking stuff in the article, but other things too.
The objective of the article is to try to amass a bigger, stronger following to protest against the antis on all fronts, so they join us in the anti-tobacco fight, which we expand to the anti-personal-lifestyle choices fight.
In past months there was a news item about San Francisco outlawing toys in Happy Meals, for example.
Also, New York City has a plethora of unbelievable laws for restaurants, - I think regarding oils or fats they cannot use, and salt.
There's all kinds of bills about sugared sodas and such.
I need help finding references. Anyone that can post up links to info would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

 

[hilojohnny]

Hey Kevin : Here's a link to the news story about my state of Hawaii thinking about banning the sale of toy guns to kids...

http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/116234684.html

 

[jlee]

http://reason.com/

 

[twss]

I second that, reason.com and reason.tv are both excellent references for this. They even have a nanny of the month.

 

[fatman]

This request seems awfully close to violating our very own Rule #6. I can post Second Amendment articles and those states who have no regard to it, hence meeting the criteria of the original request, however if we have any member(s) who oppose guns, it may get sticky!

 

[admin]

@fatman

This request seems awfully close to violating our very own Rule #6. I can post Second Amendment articles and those states who have no regard to it, hence meeting the criteria of the original request, however if we have any member(s) who oppose guns, it may get sticky!

Good catch on that one Fatman.
Let's try this, post up the links to the articles BUT NO ONE DISCUSSES IT HERE.
This is to help out Carter on research only. We're giving him some references, but not discussing.

 

[expatpipe]

I live in Sweden kevin, and I have to buy flea shampoo for my dog at the pharmacy. Not even allowed to be sold at the vet. I'm talkin normal flea shampoo. Just to remind everyone where a nanny state can lead you:/
But, as America seems heading down that path, luckily things here are wising up and heading in the right direction again. We now have private pharmacies, wipeeee! big step forward huh. :clap:

 

[cornguy]

Fatman makes a good point about rule No. 6. (I must admit that I just read it for the first time. My bad.)

Actually, almost every government regulation curtails personal freedom to some extent.

As members of a civilized, law-abiding society we most often accept those restrictions if it benefits the public health and welfare.

For instance, back in the day my dad always refused to wear his seatbelt when he was driving. He said the government had no business in his driver's seat. (And he was a fiercely proud Democrat.)

Now, we don't think twice about buckling up. Most of us accept it as a sensible safety regulation.

Some states require motorcyclists to wear helmets. That restricts the riders' personal freedom. Some would argue that the safety benefits outweigh the loss of freedom.

Some municipalities have laws against burning leaves or having old clunkers on blocks in the front yard. Some could argue rightly that these local laws restrict personal freedom.

I have the "personal freedom" to down a couple of brewskies but if I have too many I can be arrested for driving while drunk. That's a definite limit on personal freedom. Yet, I understand and accept it.

Several states have taken soda machines out of their schools, restricting the personal freedom of the students.

Yet, anyone who pays attention to public health knows that this country has a serious problem with childhood obesity and only a small minority of parents have objected to the recent restrictions.

Many of us are willing to lose a little freedom if that means we can avoid being a nation of fat people.

Many smokers are also willing to accept limitations on their personal freedoms.

We don't want to offend anyone by blowing our smoke in their face. We have come to accept that we can't smoke in the office or even restaurants.

But now the anti-tobacco zealots appear to be going beyond a strict concern for public health.

No smoking anywhere in public! Not even in the great outdoors where it's harmless!

The anti-smoking militants find smoking anywhere, anytime unsightly and socially offensive. they have declared it so. They think it somehow intrudes on their personal freedom.

So when it's not a matter of public health, why does their "personal freedom" always trump ours?

That's the real issue.

 

[schmitzbitz]

Look no further than the archives here to find ridiculous policy in action...
(Sorry, couldn't help myself)

 

[brian64]

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/03/08/exclusive-if-we-dont-fight-tsa-like-security-coming-to-sidewalks-football-games-texas-rep-warns/#

 

[unclearthur]

Right now I am too deeply involved in the mess going on here in Wisconsin to do a serious search. As soon as I am able I will though.

 

[admin]

Thanks guys for all your responses so far.

 

[fatman]

Trying hard to not dis cuss.....
All kid'n aside tho, I'm for less violence, but 'some' may see this as a thinly veiled movement to infringe.
http://www.bradycampaign.org/stategunlaws/

 

[papipeguy]

Just read this morning that all tobacco products sold in Great Britain must be stored under the counter and out of sight so as not to entice children. I'm sure our British brethren can add more to this story.

 

[schmitzbitz]

Figured I should add something constructive - pitbulls (the dog breed) are being banned as pets in Canada. Ontario led the way, however, we see other cities and provinces falling in line, as they consider the breed to be violent. Most recent article I have found on the bans is from Winnepeg, Manitoba, and can be found here.

 

[kcvet67]

Figured I should add something constructive - pitbulls (the dog breed) are being banned as pets in Canada. Ontario led the way, however, we see other cities and provinces falling in line, as they consider the breed to be violent

There is no other species on Earth as inherently violent as mankind.

 

[fredvegas]

There is no other species on Earth as inherently violent as mankind.

Even more so, once you add religion.

 

[lagavulin92]

http://www.spiked-online.com/
And specially for our case: http://www.spiked-online.com/index.php/site/issues/C56/
I think this one is UK-based. It always pays to bookmark interesting links !

 

[papipeguy]

Thanks, lagavulin92; I saved the site in my favorites list.