[justjim]

Originally Posted by Pairadocs

It's not that I disagree with your comments, I see that and more nearly everyday. Seen some frightening things with infants and toddlers just as you described. HOWEVER.... it gets back to the old debate about the true meaning of liberty. How far can, or should, a government go in regulating and "protecting" individuals on the premise it IS the primary responsibility of government to protect the "masses", who are not able to think for themselves, or if they are capable of thinking out "risk", do not make the choices the government wishes them to make. Should an adult villager be able to make a decision to wear a helmet when riding a bike ? What about a teen, should the government view them as capable of making decision to wear bike helmet ? Should the government pass a law that all golf carts must have seat belts ? Does that mean the seat belts MUST be used when in motion ? Would this require a separate law for those actually playing golf as opposed to using the golf cart as transportation? I don't know. As I commented, I too think many things I see look dangerous, but I also know trying to regulate every aspect of life ???? As for "stupid", I doubt the mother you say was "stupid" (maybe so, but I doubt it), more likely not experienced enough, or just not one whose mind goes to the worst possible outcome when (visiting her parents I presume) sharing family times. It's definitely a risk to an infant...and I mentioned I've seen some toddlers standing on the back... but if we get into that type of thing..... certainly the government should pass a law that ALL seniors MUST have a slip proof mat in both the shower and any bathtub, because, FAR more falls in those two locations occur daily all over the USA, than other foolish risks people take ! Don't pretend to have the definitely answer !

“Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is deciding to protect us from ourselves”. Ronald Reagan