Fellow Mainers: Do You Feel That Maine Is Becoming A "Nanny State?" (Bangor: live, safe)

[Maine Writer]

Channel 5 might have something on its website. I saw it on the news.

[mollysmiles]

Originally Posted by reloop

Update: I'm finding difficulty digging up information on the legislature to mandate toilet seat covers in public restrooms - I hear it didn't pass. Does anyone have any info on that?

MaineToday.com | News Update: Committee kills toilet seat cover bill


They don't prevent disease... if I could find a link to the AMA article on it I'd post it! I'm finding everything but (er, butt?).....

[cebdark]

Originally Posted by mollysmiles

MaineToday.com | News Update: Committee kills toilet seat cover bill


They don't prevent disease... if I could find a link to the AMA article on it I'd post it! I'm finding everything but (er, butt?).....

Thank you. Could this possibly be the ultimate "nagging nannyism?"

No, wait, don't tell me - I don't think I want to know.

[retiredtinbender]

Just because one went down doesn't mean there aren't more These are also up to the Legislature currently.

LD 6 – This bill establishes that “driving while distracted” is an offense that violates the state’s laws governing motor vehicle operations, establishes a framework of standards to define the offense, and gives the Department of Public Safety rule-making authority to fully implement the law.
LD 11 – This resolve directs the State Planning Office to establish uniform state lighting standards for the outside space surrounding new commercial construction with the goal of limiting light pollution and preserving dark skies.
LD 40 – This bill makes using a handheld cellular telephone or a handheld electronic devise while operating a motor vehicle an infraction of Maine’s motor vehicle law. (see also LD6). Law enforcement officers, firefighters, drivers of emergency vehicles, and municipal public works personnel are included in the list of motor vehicle operators who would be exempt from this prohibition whenever driving within the scope of their employment.
LD 41 – This bill is nearly identical to LD 40. The only exception is that it also makes text messaging while operating a motor vehicle an infraction of Maine’s motor vehicle laws.

[cebdark]

Originally Posted by retiredtinbender

Just because one went down doesn't mean there aren't more These are also up to the Legislature currently.

LD 6 – This bill establishes that “driving while distracted” is an offense that violates the state’s laws governing motor vehicle operations, establishes a framework of standards to define the offense, and gives the Department of Public Safety rule-making authority to fully implement the law.
LD 11 – This resolve directs the State Planning Office to establish uniform state lighting standards for the outside space surrounding new commercial construction with the goal of limiting light pollution and preserving dark skies.
LD 40 – This bill makes using a handheld cellular telephone or a handheld electronic devise while operating a motor vehicle an infraction of Maine’s motor vehicle law. (see also LD6). Law enforcement officers, firefighters, drivers of emergency vehicles, and municipal public works personnel are included in the list of motor vehicle operators who would be exempt from this prohibition whenever driving within the scope of their employment.
LD 41 – This bill is nearly identical to LD 40. The only exception is that it also makes text messaging while operating a motor vehicle an infraction of Maine’s motor vehicle laws.

Thanks for the info Tin Bender .

[cebdark]

Originally Posted by mollysmiles

MaineToday.com | News Update: Committee kills toilet seat cover bill


They don't prevent disease... if I could find a link to the AMA article on it I'd post it! I'm finding everything but (er, butt?).....

Here's a quote from the above-mentioned article by Rep. Paulette Beaudoin of Biddeford (who introduced it):

..."My main concern is for the children. If this bill keeps children from getting sick and saves money in health care costs, then we should provide this protection."

I believe I'll send her an email to the legislative address. I'll ask her if she's ever stepped foot into the festering pool of disease that is a typical elementary school this time of the year.

I recall someone on this forum talking about how "nannyism" gets passed under the protection of children. Hmmmm - got that one right.

[cebdark]

Here's some new "Nanny-news". Scroll through the comments. Methinks the natives are getting restless.

Bill targets ‘energy drink’ sales to minors - Bangor Daily News (http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/98815.html - broken link)

[mollysmiles]

I'm so glad you found that--I heard it on the news yesterday, but couldn't find a link! Then I sat here thinking I'd heard it incorrectly! The woman (parent) that was on the news, WABI, said she feels that the caffeine is dangerous, and that her 15 year old is addicted. In talking to DH about this and her son's addiction, I mentioned that's really HER issue. "Please make a law that will take the place of my parenting"... is what she's asking the state to do. Anyway, DH wondered if she had alcohol in her house... I thought that was a good point. Does she remove that too, or has she taken the time to teach about it? Interesting, and a very good example of the Nanny laws.

Now I'll go read those comments....

[cebdark]

Originally Posted by mollysmiles

I'm so glad you found that--I heard it on the news yesterday, but couldn't find a link! Then I sat here thinking I'd heard it incorrectly! The woman (parent) that was on the news, WABI, said she feels that the caffeine is dangerous, and that her 15 year old is addicted. In talking to DH about this and her son's addiction, I mentioned that's really HER issue. "Please make a law that will take the place of my parenting"... is what she's asking the state to do. Anyway, DH wondered if she had alcohol in her house... I thought that was a good point. Does she remove that too, or has she taken the time to teach about it? Interesting, and a very good example of the Nanny laws.

Now I'll go read those comments....

Agreed - completely. I guess the biggest issue that I have with things of this nature, is the near constant pace lately that I (and family) have to continually pay for the negligent behavior of others. My kids aren't allowed energy drinks period. I usually tell them that I draw the line at having to spend even one moment peeling them off the ceiling were they to drink one. I think I enjoyed the comment from irv4me (sp?) on the BDN the most. He's the one I believe that said "What's next, chocolate?"

I take most umbrage if-you-will at the argument that all bad habits are costing us so much more. Certainly there are cases of that happening (I'm not going to argue there) but there are many more that aren't. Sometimes, rest, a tylenol and a cold drink do more to cure an ill than an expensive trip to the doctor - replete with a useless antibiotic. All I ask for is a little common sense.

[tcrackly]

I guess it's not necessary to take any responsibility for your own actions or take responsibility for your kids actions because the government, the school and your tax paying neighbors are supposed to handle it. Handle it, handle it!