Tough call
Where are the limits on the state protecting children well being? The idea that children are defenseless group which has fewer choices than adults is the base for more involvement of the state in protecting this group. Base on this conception cities like Bangor, Maine, decided to:
BANGOR, Maine (AP) — The Bangor City Council approved a measure Monday that prohibits people from smoking in vehicles when children are present.
When the law goes into effect next week, Bangor will become the first municipality in Maine to have such a law. Similar statewide measures have been adopted in Arkansas and Louisiana and are under consideration in several other states.
People who smoke with children present in the confined space of a car or truck might as well be deliberately trying to kill those children, said City Councilor Patricia Blanchette, who is a smoker.
This decision seems to be well inline with the the concept of protecting children. However the limits start getting a little bit blurred - what about proper diet? can the state prevent parents from taking their children to fast food restaurants? what about education?
When ever the question of blurred limits come to mind very clear limits on the way the government can execute its power. Therefore, and although I thing that Bangor’s decision is justifiable, I’m concern with the slippery slope which such decisions tend to cause.
Technorati Tags: Human Rights - Children Rights - Libertarianism
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