Marghanita da Cruz wrote:
From time to time, SLUG, gets into philosophical debates, in relation to
Internet Filtering and Free/Open Source Software.
I found this parliamentary briefing interesting and thought others may too.
Note its focus is tobacco and gambling - so the principles may or may
not apply.
JUNE 16, 2011
The 'nanny state' and freedom of choice
In recent times, a number of Australian Government policy initiatives
have been criticised as 'nanny state' or 'paternalist' policies.
<http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22library%2Fprspub%2F875642%22>
What is "nanny" and what is "justifiable" is utterly a POV issue.
<example>
Some years ago in NSW, children of Jehovah's Witnesses were denied blood
transfusions by their parents because of religious beliefs. The state
introduced legislation and stepped in to make such children wards of the
state if their lives were at risk.
What right has the state to deny to a child eternity in the presence of
the Lord for the sake of a few years of earthly life?
</example>
Mostly whoever is in charge tries to impose their belief system and make
it the current paradigm - whether it's religious, commercial, political
or philosophical. I can't say I can see much logic going on, unless it's
a kind of stumbling, long-term Darwinian logic.
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