We Don't Fine the Overweight for Eating at KFC or Why Seatbelt Laws are the Trojan Horse of Fascism.

submitted by Antarchomachus from self.conspiracy

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[–][deleted] 7 insightful - 2 fun7 insightful - 1 fun8 insightful - 2 fun -  (3 children)

But this is precisely why seatbelt laws are dangerous - most reasonable people would wear them anyway.

You date yourself, you must be younger than the seatbelt laws. I remember those times. Adoption was an issue, nobody wore seatbelts. Cars didn't always even come with seatbelts because there was no demand for it. That's why they made it a law.

Even as few as 30 years ago (sic), in 1982, only 11% of drivers used seat belts. Ever since the 1960s, the number of people using seat belts has risen steadily due to legislation and legal initiatives.

the government doesn't care about your health.

They don't, but they care how much you cost them. The "Opiate Epidemic" is a perfect ongoing example. It's not about saving lives, or helping junkies, or the welfare of the public, it's about money. Junkies and otherwise unhealthy people cost states big bucks.

Now, I bet you think enjoying a beer while driving is insane too, of course probably while not wearing a seat belt. Man, those were the days. You know we only save like 2,000 lives a year because of DUI laws? That's some bullshit. You used to be able to go for a drive in true comfort.

And look at how much money those DUI laws are used to squeeze from otherwise safe drivers who may have had as little as one or two beers. That's why the state likes em, but it's actually pushed by MADD, which has become an abolitionist movement. They aren't for safe driving, they're against alcohol. They want .05% limits too, and will probably get it.

Soon you won't be able to use mouthwash without it causing a DUI if you get caught.

[–]Antarchomachus[S] 3 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 0 fun4 insightful - 1 fun -  (2 children)

Thanks for the thoughtful reply. You are correct, I was indeed born in 1984 and was unaware this was ever controversial. I rarely heard reference to it until recently in comparison to vaccinations. I hear you on the Opioid Epidemic - we did care about this - eventually (Dopesick on Hulu is an excellent watch on this subject) which somewhat counters my argument I admit. I guess my question is where is the line then? Because we don't have a national war on the overweight, or those eating an unhealthy diet, or making a multitude of other poor health choices.

[–][deleted] 3 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 0 fun4 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

I was indeed born in 1984

I was born in 80, guess a few years made a difference.

Sorry this goes way off on a tangent.

Opioid Epidemic - we did care about this

They cut off pain medications not only chronic pain patients, but even dying cancer patients right at the beginning. People are only told half the story. Here's the real motivation, check out the subsection Current State of the Legal Proceedings (2022). Those lawsuits are a total money machine for lawyers.

And opioid deaths are higher than ever even though it has never been more difficult to get prescription opioids. Just now if you have surgery you get to suffer.

I don't think my respect for doctors could go any lower. They are knowingly complicit in the suffering of untold millions. Too afraid to lose their DEA # to speak up. Won't even employ their well funded lobbies. Dentists also.

I guess my question is where is the line then?

That's a good question. There exists, I suppose, some ideal equilibrium point between personal freedom and nanny government protection. Not sure what it is.

Because we don't have a national war on the overweight, or those eating an unhealthy diet, or making a multitude of other poor health choices.

There has been a global WHO campaign against smoking since the 70s. That's done very well. Smoking went up during the pandemic and that's the first time in 30 or 40 years that happened. There is federal US funding for local anti-obesity campaigns, but obviously they aren't fixing the problem.

There's a lot of money in making people fat, billions in junk food, billions in the weight loss industry, billions in pharmaceuticals... There's massive companies who only make stuff people should probably never eat. The economy would take a serious blow.

[–]Antarchomachus[S] 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

I was somewhat aware of the chronic pain patients being accused of 'drug seeking', the cancer patients I hadn't heard about, but you are right - it's way too easy to lose sight of their suffering in my anger at big pharma greed.

I have a similar lack of trust of doctors and the regulatory agencies, and big $$ is usually involved, I think we agree on those ideas at least. I can tend to get a little uppity about my freedoms in general, and an authoritarian response coupled with an extreme lack of trust in said authorities, can make me a bit agitated at times.

I agree there has got to be a balance of personal freedom with common interests, hopefully we can learn to do a better job at this. Good chatting with you friend.