Comments on: Using a regulatory howitzer to kill a fly — and destroying freedom in the process http://www.bookwormroom.com/2007/08/24/using-a-regulatory-howitzer-to-kill-a-fly-and-destroying-freedom-in-the-process/ She escaped from the belly of the liberal beast Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:41:52 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 By: Mike Devx http://www.bookwormroom.com/2007/08/24/using-a-regulatory-howitzer-to-kill-a-fly-and-destroying-freedom-in-the-process/#comment-14130 Mike Devx Sat, 25 Aug 2007 13:37:18 +0000 http://proto2.webloggin.com/?p=1713#comment-14130 Her name *is* Dolores Umbridge, and not Faith N. Goodwill, after all! Ms. Rowling definitely was having fun with names and archetypes. I'm not all that familiar with the books, but I have wondered whether Severus Snape was originally intended to be pure evil, and Ms. Rowling modified his nature midway through the series, solely to complexify her universe? As a libertarian, I agree with your point about the unpleasantness of hyperregulation shown by these kinds of varsity sports rules. This kind of nannyish intervention inevitably will lead to Round Two of Regulation: These high school sports kids WILL be allowed to switch schools without penalty for one or two years whenever their head coach is fired. You're absolutely right, that all kids are punished for the misbehavior of some kids and some coaches - rather than punishing the wrongdoing when it can be found and proven. I live in Texas where Football is not just King, but is All Royalty. We have the same rules. I understand why the rules have been brought in - as I understand the impulses behind all such hyperregulation - but I don't agree with them. On the other hand, it could be worse! The usual leftist response would be to never allow kids to change schools at all, in the interests of "equality" and "fair competition". Then they would follow that up with "hardship exemptions", so that the poor would be allowed to move, and the rules would only apply to the well off. Her name *is* Dolores Umbridge, and not Faith N. Goodwill, after all! Ms. Rowling definitely was having fun with names and archetypes. I’m not all that familiar with the books, but I have wondered whether Severus Snape was originally intended to be pure evil, and Ms. Rowling modified his nature midway through the series, solely to complexify her universe?

As a libertarian, I agree with your point about the unpleasantness of hyperregulation shown by these kinds of varsity sports rules. This kind of nannyish intervention inevitably will lead to Round Two of Regulation: These high school sports kids WILL be allowed to switch schools without penalty for one or two years whenever their head coach is fired.

You’re absolutely right, that all kids are punished for the misbehavior of some kids and some coaches - rather than punishing the wrongdoing when it can be found and proven. I live in Texas where Football is not just King, but is All Royalty. We have the same rules. I understand why the rules have been brought in - as I understand the impulses behind all such hyperregulation - but I don’t agree with them.

On the other hand, it could be worse! The usual leftist response would be to never allow kids to change schools at all, in the interests of “equality” and “fair competition”. Then they would follow that up with “hardship exemptions”, so that the poor would be allowed to move, and the rules would only apply to the well off.

]]> By: ymarsakar http://www.bookwormroom.com/2007/08/24/using-a-regulatory-howitzer-to-kill-a-fly-and-destroying-freedom-in-the-process/#comment-14128 ymarsakar Fri, 24 Aug 2007 20:31:34 +0000 http://proto2.webloggin.com/?p=1713#comment-14128 Hey, what if a kid found a bullet in kindergarten and was using it as a coloring tool, Book? Would the kid be interrogated and broken because he is obviously trying to hook the playground into illegal neo-con and pseudo-fascist arms dealing? Hey, what if a kid found a bullet in kindergarten and was using it as a coloring tool, Book? Would the kid be interrogated and broken because he is obviously trying to hook the playground into illegal neo-con and pseudo-fascist arms dealing?

]]> By: Don Quixote http://www.bookwormroom.com/2007/08/24/using-a-regulatory-howitzer-to-kill-a-fly-and-destroying-freedom-in-the-process/#comment-14129 Don Quixote Fri, 24 Aug 2007 17:47:19 +0000 http://proto2.webloggin.com/?p=1713#comment-14129 You've got it right, Book, and that rule is foolish. In academics, we have what are called "magnet" schools that specialize in fine arts, college prep, or whatever. The idea is to create schools which will attrach certain types of students by provide an emphasis in an area that best suits their skills, interests, and needs. What is wrong, then, with a school that attracts students by specializing in physical education and sports? Within capacity constraints (and providing their own transportation), students should be able to attend the school in their district that they feel best meets their needs. You’ve got it right, Book, and that rule is foolish. In academics, we have what are called “magnet” schools that specialize in fine arts, college prep, or whatever. The idea is to create schools which will attrach certain types of students by provide an emphasis in an area that best suits their skills, interests, and needs. What is wrong, then, with a school that attracts students by specializing in physical education and sports? Within capacity constraints (and providing their own transportation), students should be able to attend the school in their district that they feel best meets their needs.

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