Fellow Mainers: Do You Feel That Maine Is Becoming A "Nanny State?" (sale, houseboat)

[cebdark]

Originally Posted by broadbill

I'll argue "no" but its a argument of semantics.

Those countries may provide for a socialized PROGRAM of healthcare, but they may not be a socialist governments per se.

Its an important distinction to make since alot of people oppose socialized healthcare in the US because of the word "socialized".

It will be interesting to see how folks react to the idea of socialized programs in the US now that we have effectively socialized the banking/finance industry and may do the same for the auto industry!

I see your point. Yes, it will indeed be interesting to see how folks react. I believe there will be a lot of arguing over the semantics of that one.

[cebdark]

Originally Posted by Maine Writer

I've been thinking of a few. Don't smoke in cars with kids - duh. Seat belts? I'd rather you did but I'm not going to say you have to. Helmets on motorcycles, entirely not up to me since I'm not riding ever again. Licensing kind of gets me. I have to license my greenhouse for seedling sales. Every year I pay the fee, every year I'm not inspected. (adding - I was inspected once, 15 years ago when we lived in town.) I turn over my money for nothing. But, if someone sells diseased plants they can be tracked down more easily if they're appropriately licensed. The highest greenhouse license fee is $25 so it's not bad. The year I didn't license would be the year someone showed up. There are things we just do because we're not hurting anyone or anything.

So agree I wonder how many diseased plants (and insects) hitch a ride on the cargo boats from overseas. Interesting...

[elston]

There are laws that protect the common good; and if they are written and enforced to accomplish that outcome I am all for them....smoking restrictions come to mind and regulation of alcohol (sale to minors for example and public drunkeness) pollution control to avoid toxic dumps and polution of public waters, and child protective laws to prohibit the exploitation and endangerment of children. (This is a state forum so I won't go on about federal pure food and health standrds);

I believe that we (the government) have a responsibility to protect and enhance the public good...therefore I probably tolerate more of what you call the "Nanny State" than some.

[cebdark]

Originally Posted by elston

There are laws that protect the common good; and if they are written and enforced to accomplish that outcome I am all for them....smoking restrictions come to mind and regulation of alcohol (sale to minors for example and public drunkeness) pollution control to avoid toxic dumps and polution of public waters, and child protective laws to prohibit the exploitation and endangerment of children. (This is a state forum so I won't go on about federal pure food and health standrds);

I believe that we (the government) have a responsibility to protect and enhance the public good...therefore I probably tolerate more of what you call the "Nanny State" than some.

Several good points. Thank you for contributing.

[BoundtofindME]

There are still many towns in Maine that have no zoning. Mine is one.

[retiredtinbender]

I've been reading this thread a few days and I wanted to add my smart a--ed 2 cents which may not be agreed with. First I think nanny state laws occur more frequently on a federal level. I read a few months ago where a NY congressman wanted to enact a law making it illegal to talk on a cell phone while walking on the street. Seems some moron in NYC was doing it and crossed against the light. The last time he'll do that. Alot of the stupid laws like that one (lots more off them too) take out the "Darwin Effect" of culling the herd and getting rid of the stupid ones. The herd needs culling. My only worry is someone may think I'm stupid! (The opinions exprressed here may not those of the management)

And, sorry if I step on any toes, but medical is expensive because of malpractice insurance, caused by liability, caused by lawsuits, caused by lawyers and plaintiffs. Some doctors see themselves as God and the patients are believing it too. If the Dr can't cure/fix them, sue the bas.... Solution: decrease foolish (frivolous is too nice a word) lawsuits. Do lawyers the same way as state reperesentitives. Amount by population. California can have 20, Maine 2. See how many foolish lawsuits get brought up then. IMHO

[truthseeker2012]

Originally Posted by RANGER.101ST

controlled comunisum,your land aint your land,put your seat belt on,and many more.i got a paper from the town the other day.they wanted to know what i had for equipment.like tractors,backhoe,dozer.why so they can tax me for them.even my rideing lawn mower,can you immagine they want to tax me for haveing a rideing lawn mower.freedom my as#.tax happy moth#$%^&*&#@!!!.

and It's only going to get worse as each State runs out of money. It's not our fault but it will become our problem! Such as what they did to Ranger...

[cebdark]

Originally Posted by retiredtinbender

I've been reading this thread a few days and I wanted to add my smart a--ed 2 cents which may not be agreed with. First I think nanny state laws occur more frequently on a federal level. I read a few months ago where a NY congressman wanted to enact a law making it illegal to talk on a cell phone while walking on the street. Seems some moron in NYC was doing it and crossed against the light. The last time he'll do that. Alot of the stupid laws like that one (lots more off them too) take out the "Darwin Effect" of culling the herd and getting rid of the stupid ones. The herd needs culling. My only worry is someone may think I'm stupid! (The opinions exprressed here may not those of the management)

And, sorry if I step on any toes, but medical is expensive because of malpractice insurance, caused by liability, caused by lawsuits, caused by lawyers and plaintiffs. Some doctors see themselves as God and the patients are believing it too. If the Dr can't cure/fix them, sue the bas.... Solution: decrease foolish (frivolous is too nice a word) lawsuits. Do lawyers the same way as state reperesentitives. Amount by population. California can have 20, Maine 2. See how many foolish lawsuits get brought up then. IMHO

Oh don't get me going about "frivolous lawsuits" I think that's the root of a lot of the problem (read the warning on a curling iron: Do Not Use While Sleeping - Ya think?) Be that as it may, I don't think your stupid...I've heard that same refrain from many people I consider smart. I just figure that "culling the herd" is part of "natural selection" - as was the case with the fool who stepped in front of whatever vehicle flattened him. That's one of those "learnin' moments" where others may want to stop and say "Hey, maybe I ought not to be focused on my cell phone while crossing the road or I'll end up like poor ole' Fred who got crushed by a Frito truck." I think the NY congressman is nuts to think that a law banning that is even remotely enforceable. I do agree it's on par with the federal level.

Maybe it's more that I don't want to pay the price for someone else's stupidity, if for example, I chose to answer my cell phone (full disclosure here: I don't have one - GASP! - my husband and I consider them simple "leashes.") while standing on the SIDE of the road, I ought to be able to as a I am an adult.

By the way, I love "smart-a--ed" opinions!

[cebdark]

Originally Posted by truthseeker2012

and It's only going to get worse as each State runs out of money. It's not our fault but it will become our problem! Such as what they did to Ranger...

Amen to that

[cebdark]

Originally Posted by mollysmiles

I have to admit.... I'm in the dark on this whole thing. The only things I could come up with when I read the OP was "not smoking in cars with young children" and some land use regs.... neither of those apply to me--I don't smoke, and I don't own acreage. So, I'm sitting back and reading and learning on this one, less posting!

Wellllll...there's the smoking in cars one (incidentally, I often see shivering elders standing at the end of the driveway at the local assisted living facility) apparently, they're still smoking despite not being able to do so in their own apartments. That's neither an endorsement, nor a slam - just reality .
There is also a law now that makes the paper of cigarettes thicker thus allowing them to extinguish themselves should one be dumb enough to smoke one in bed, fall asleep, and burn the whole house down. Of course, there's the seatbelt law, ummm, I do believe the one that banned those under 18 from buying energy drinks tanked (thus preventing us pesky parents who don't allow our kids to buy them anyway from having an "excuse" to say "No!'). Sorry, I tend to get a little "cheeky" when it comes to anyone telling me what to do with my kids

Can anyone else come up with some good old fashioned "common sense" legislation that's been passed? Don't get me wrong, I do see the value in many laws - I guess I just question the amount of effort that goes into saving me from myself.