Spoon-feeding
This is an oft used metaphor in politics describing a nanny state that is giving its citizens/chattels various pieces of “wisdom”
Anyway, I saw this news story on the BBC about some government scheme to give kids Omega-3 oils because they maybe good for the brain or some such. Now the libertarian in me says, it is surely up to the parents of children to look after their diet. If they choose to give their kids Omega oil supplements fine, if not, also fine. This is freedom.
And naturally enough, I find the idea of another state proscribed initiative, yet another disturbing chip, chip, chip into peoples daily lives. No great shock there.
But the footage that accompanies the report, showed kids lining up, to be, literally, spoon-fed, by an implement of the state, (in this case a teacher or health worker or some other state apparatchik drone) and it was like the metaphor was being acted out in living colour, and it was chilling. Really deeply chilling.
posted by Stussy88 @ 3:28 PM
3 comments
3 Comments:
They used to give out school milk too. Calcium for kids.
This is a natural progression.
But I do think it should be an opt in thing. It will be offered, if parents want their kids to participate, great, if not, great.
Oh, do be clear about why "free" school milk was introduced. Churchill looked at urban UK troops around the turn of the century, and saw what a limited, poor diet did for their physique. He contrasted this with rural ANZACS and South Africans brought up on a diet of Steak. they were head and shoulders taller. The state gave the milk, so the troops would be big enough to carry the rifles !
Hey it was way before my time, they didn't even do school milk I don't think when I went to school. We did at playschool.
I suppose although the cause was suspect, the action was good. Kids got milk. Yes it was with the idea that future military recruits would be stronger and healthier, but not everyone joined up. They didn't say "here's free milk but noly if you sign up for the Army when you finish".
To be honest, I'd say forget omega 3 oil, and give every kid a free piece of fruit per day. Would be cheaper than the omega oil, and would mean some kids actually saw a fruit or vegetable. How it'd work, I don't know, but it's something I'd vote for.
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