While we are on the subject of liberty, I do think that there is a real threat lurking in modern civilization. It isn't Bush or Osama, its the health Nazis. From the London Times:
FOR 60 years the tinny jingle of Greensleeves that announced the arrival of the ice-cream van has been an indelible memory of childhood, but that sound may soon be removed from suburban streets. Health lobbyists have decided that ice-creams are too much of a danger to children’s health.
MPs and health officials are planning a series of measures across the country that are already forcing Mr Whippy and his helpers into meltdown.
Under an amendment to the Education and Inspection Bill to be put forward this week, local authorities will be given new powers to stop ice-cream vans from operating near school gates. The move comes as operators claim that they are already being forced out of business by an over-zealous health lobby.
Local authorities have in recent weeks banned ice-cream vans from using pay-and-display parking spaces and set up “ice-cream-free”exclusion zones around busy shopping streets. Newham council, in east London, informed vendors last month that it would fine van owners up to £80 if they used pay-and-display bays. Greenwich council, in southeast London, has banned the vans from its streets altogether, while in Scotland, West Dunbartonshire council has introduced an exclusion zone around schools for vans.
My first reaction was: "Their ice cream vans play Greensleeves?" Ours tend to play "Its a Small, Small, World," an insipid melody that burrows into the mind like a bowel weevil, and doesn't leave until the soul is hollowed out. I am not generally in favor of the death penalty, but I would make an exception for whatever enemy of humanity composed that song.
My second reaction is to note that ice cream is one of Western Civilization's greatest achievements, and anyone who is an enemy of the former is no friend to the latter. Why is it that the left, which so vigorously defends pornography and the bath house, can't spare a little sympathy for those who would enjoy a scoop of gold medal ribbon? Be afraid. Be very afraid. These are the enemies of freedom.
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