The nanny state marches on. If the ban on smoking in outdoor parks and plazas was not enough, now state Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Little Neck) has introduced a bill to prohibit smoking in cars when a minor under the age of 14 is present.
Of course, we can all agree that smoking in a car with a minor or anyone else is not a good idea, but does the state really need to insert itself into the role of protective parent in every conceivable situation? Isn’t that the job and responsibility of real parents?
It is a good idea to feed kids properly and dress them warmly in the winter, so should we legislate this by requiring vegetables during mealtime and hats and gloves when the temperature falls below 32 degrees?
This paternalism by various legislators is simply getting out of hand. Between Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s proposal to ban salt, City Councilman Leroy Comrie’s (D-St. Albans) proposal to ban Happy Meal toys and Assemblyman Rory Lancman’s (D-Fresh Meadows) proposal to ban flat sheets in hotels and require only fitted ones, when is enough enough?
May I suggest these legislators focus their attention on a state economy that is in shambles, roads that are falling apart and a state Legislature that is dysfunctional with a history of corruption and scandals second to none?
My advice to voters: Elect the same people, expect the same results.
Bob Friedrich
President
Glen Oaks Village
