Quote:
Originally Posted by ilovetv
Puritans told to "stay out of my bedroom".....but "move into my kitchen"......
"Puritanism in the historical sense is as dead as the Salem witches. The religious group that settled in New England outlawed theater, rejected any form of sex except marital intercourse, banned celebration of Christmas and spent hours in church listening to horrifying depictions of Hell.
But the term has come to be a synonym for any disapproval or discouragement of carnal pleasure. Sexual puritanism has receded even among devout Christians, who generally see nothing wrong with husbands and wives gratifying each other however they please.
In society as a whole, things have changed even more drastically. Virginity is no longer held up as an ideal for young people; TV has an abundance of flesh and raunch; and the majority of Americans no longer see homosexual acts as "always wrong."
Most people don't think it's their place to tell others what sort of sexual behavior is acceptable. With few exceptions, it has become a private matter of individual preference. Laws against sodomy are extinct. Divorce is easy to get. Your sex life is off-limits to government regulation. Busybodies have little impact on policy.
But puritans haven't vanished. They've merely changed the subject. The expansion of freedom in matters of sex has coincided with a shrinkage in matters of health. New Yorkers would laugh at laws policing sex, but they elected a mayor who has no problem trying to control other physical indulgences.
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg brought forth a ban on large sugar-laden beverages, which this week was struck down by a state court. But the idea won't go away that easily: The city will appeal the ruling, and other cities are considering similar laws....."
The Tyranny of the Virtuous
The Tyranny of the Virtuous - Reason.com |
It appears that the pendulum has swung the other way: We got rid of the Puritans only to be plagued by the unpure. That is to say the overweight and obese who want unlimited new taxes to pay for their healthcare (i.e., bypass operations, stints, and many other items related to being overweight).
Overall, taxes are so high for New York City dwellers (for those who pay taxes) many of them are moving away to other places. They are leaving in droves. And yet, those who are left behind still demand their free services like bypass operations etc.. Taxpayers in New York City pay federal, state and city taxes. When you add in all other taxes like property taxes etc., about 60% of their income goes to taxes.
Meddling in other peoples lives also applies to people who keep reaching into your pocket for more money to pay for their unhealthy lifestyles.