It looks obvious

“Things should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler.” — Albert Einstein

The thin line

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For argument sake lets agree that this is a case of abuse that justifies the government intervention:

LONDON (Feb. 27) - Authorities are considering taking an 8-year-old boy who weighs 218 pounds into protective custody unless his mother improves his diet.

Social service officials will meet with family members Tuesday to discuss the health of Connor McCreaddie, who weighs more than three times the average for his age.
"The worst case would be Connor getting taken into care. He is well cared for," the boy’s mother, Nicola McKeown, told ITV television.

However where is the line being crossed? it is pretty blurry id you trying to figure it from this:

"Child abuse is not just about hitting your children or sexually abusing them, it is also about neglect," the official was quoted as saying.

What exactly falling under the definition of neglect? should the government regulate how much time parents spend with their children, and how? should we count how many books they read to them, and which? what about values? should we ensure that the children education isn’t lacking by having the parents educating the wrong values? Where is the line between protecting the child human rights and protecting those of the parents?

The case in this article is not so easy, it isn’t as obvious as making attendance in parents-teachers conference a criminal mater. The parents of this overweight child are less than perfect and their lack of skills probably put the child in a risk. But where is the line?  

 

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Written by Rogel

February 27th, 2007 at 12:55 pm

Posted in The nanny state


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