More Nannyism
So, senior citizens don't know enough to make "good food" choices for themselves? Umm, isn't that part of the reason why they are seniors? From the Putnam County Courier:
A war is waging among Putnam's senior citizen population and the only weapons being used are donuts - or the lack of the sugared treat. For years, County Office for the Aging nutrition centers received widespread donations of day-old donuts, cakes, pies, breads, bagels and donuts from delis, supermarkets and donut shops throughout the tri-county area.
County nutritionists decided that the sugary treats were not in the best interests of the over-65 set, so the "war" now facing county lawmakers centers on senior citizens' determination to make that decision.
This has got "I'm from the Government and I am here to help you" written all over it! This is like Mayor Bloomberg instituting the trans-fat prohibition in NYC that is now being copied all over the country by over zealous people whose mantra is 'don't you know that this is bad for you? Well, it seems that you don't, so for your benefit, I will stop you."
This is just one more reason why government can be hated. Listen up! People can act dumb and they can act in their own worst interest....LET THEM! These are the same people that in NH want to reduce boating speeds on our largest lake because (failing to notice that speed is not the primary reason for accidents - alcohol and not obeying the laws are). Why? Because they don't like it. Thus, other people can't either.
Legislator Sam Oliverio of Putnam Valley, who chairs the Legislature's Health, Social and Educational Committee, scheduled a forum for later this month to resolve the issue. Oliverio said he believes donuts should be provided to the county's seniors.
"Our senior citizens are telling me that they are adults. One man added: 'We are your parents and grandparents. We know what we are doing. Remember we are senior citizens - not senile citizens!'" he said.
If our senior citizens are senile, then I can see the ban. But for those that are fine, they should be allowed to make their own decisions (and wanting a donut doesn't make one senile).
Oliverio said he was proud of the senior citizens for "flexing their political muscles."
The man who finds himself in the midst of the donut war is Putnam Office for the Aging Director William Huestis.
"What started out to be a good deed has spiraled out of control. Professional members of my staff were vehemently against the giveaway because many people in our centers suffer from chronic issues including diabetes, heart issues and high blood pressure," Huestis said.
Ah yes, the "professionals"....and in this case, professional "killjoys". Look, go back to my statement - are they senile? If no, then we should err on the side that an occasional donut isn't going to hurt. And simply because a few may be hurt should not be a reason to deny it to the majority.
You know, our government has gotten better and better at that lately - deny the majority freedom in some aspect because of the minority. Can't we assume that the minority are old enough (yes, that was intended) to make reasonable decisions on their own behalf?
"Food security was also an issue since the Office for the Aging is a county program operating under permits issued by the Health Department. There are regulations and guidelines concerning the distribution and handling of food as well as a security factor that ensures the health and welfare of our participants," said Huestis.Oh, here we go with the excuses.....well, how DARE you insult our sense of what is right and wrong. After all, we are not the elected officials, we are the Bureaucrats and we know best.
In my mind, professional bureaucrats are the most dangerous (and not just found at any level of govenment - they exist in the private sector too!).
[snip]
"We are committed to providing not only nutritional meals but nutrition education, screening and counseling as well. To stray from the county's mission would be a great disservice to our senior citizens," said Huestis.
And heaven help ANYONE who keeps a bureaucrat from accomplishing their mission...
even if it is at cross odds with the needs or wants of the people.
Look, most people in government are fine and this is not a crank on them. But sometimes, people (including me!) get a bit full of themselves and have to be gently corrected.
Or sometimes, not so gently! Ridicule works too....
[snip].
"We are by no means 'donut police,' but we must continue to uphold our mission statement and comply with health department regulations," he said.
[snip]
Judy of Mahopac was split down the middle. "I understand where Mr. Huestis is coming from, but after all, we are adults. If we want something at our tender ages, we should be able to have it - as long as it's legal," she said with a wry grin.
As it should be...
Comments
Posted by: Judy Paris | August 15, 2007 6:02 AM
Posted by: bryfry | August 15, 2007 2:18 PM