Here are two interesting stories from the news recently. See if you can tell how they are related!
First comes a story from Ohio. The story is about a 2nd grade boy, not an ordinary 2nd grader, but a 2nd grader that tips the scales at 210 pounds! Sound incredible? But it is true. You know how much concern there is today regarding obesity. Seems that the state authorities are very concerned about obesity too, and they didn’t like the idea that this kid’s parents allowed him to get so big.. He could have health issues in the future, they say.
Why should we be interested? Here’s a hint, it has nothing to do with obesity. I’m interested because the state took the child out of the home. He was put into foster care. That’s unfortunate in many ways, but what I wonder is – who is responsible for this?
The second story comes from Michigan. Apparently activists in Detroit got the word out that traffic accidents can be caused by people eating while motoring in the motor city. I know that I certainly get distracted from my meal if I have to stay in my lane. Of course there was a public outcry. So, being the leaders that they are, the town fathers outlawed eating behind the wheel. Driving under the influence of a Happy Meal makes them very unhappy now. But what I really wonder is – who is responsible for this?
What’s your guess on how these first two stories are connected? Food you say ?? I think not – that would be too obvious.
Here’s the connection – (and I gave a few hints earlier) – Its not food, it is a matter of responsibility. 
I know that you guessed that. So who’s responsible for the obese boy? It’s the boy’s parents you say. Oops, you guessed wrong that time. Who’s responsible for the spilled taco? The Driver? – wrong again Batman! It’s the government of course. You see when the state gets into the act then, by default, the state becomes the responsible party. And in a very short while, we all begin to expect the state to handle the problems of childhood obesity and driving under the influence of french fries. And we quickly lose our own ability to take charge. We will look to the government to take all the chowing drivers off of the road and to take all the obese children out of their homes. All in an effort to protect us. I suspect that by now you are asking if this is going anywhere. Of course it is, let’s go;
There are two factions in our society. One wants you to be responsible for yourself. For your own safety and health and finances, etc. This is the way that your parents or grandparents (if you’re lucky enough to be under 30) tried to bring you up. The second faction thinks that the government should be responsible for everyone. For everyone’s safety and health and finances, etc. Everything. Unfortunately this second group is taking over. As a society, we are sliding into the arena where the government does it all. When the government is responsible for everyone, then everyone except you has the ability determine your life.
So if you don’t take proper care of your kids – in their eyes- then they can take your kids away. Soon enough it will extend to other things. Maybe if they decide that you must vaccinate your kids (oops too late we’re there already). Or maybe they’ll determine that every kid gets a trophy at the end of the year, so that nobody’s feelings get hurt ( double oops – we’re there already too) Maybe they’ll decide that you can’t give them expensive sneakers because some families can’t afford them. But only they can decide – for you! When the state gets involved with things like eating and driving – then it won’t be long before there is a law against other things while driving. Think of all the things that can distract you while you’re driving. No cell phones (triple oops – already an issue) No radio maybe. What about kids in your car? Anyone that has ever driven with little kids in the backseat knows just how distracting that can be. I suggest that we limit the number of kids allowed to just one per car. And forget about dates in your car. Much safer don’t you think. So, hopefully now you can see the result. It really is what YOU think – YOU get to decide for the other people but not for yourself! So stop and think before you jump on the ‘let’s make a law’ bandwagon – for anything. C’mon, hop in the car, let’s go get some fries!
