Tuesday, May 19, 2009

The New York Times Wants You to Stay Helpless

Don't turn your soft, computer-tapping hands away from the keyboard and pick up a hammer. That seemed to be the message in Sunday's New York Times. Self-reliance is dangerous.

This woman made a mistake when replacing a toilet. So, therefore, she should not learn from her mistake and do it right the next time. She could call a plumber instead.

When in doubt, do nothing. Call the authorities.

Then there is this story about a peril for urban gardeners -- lead in the soil from the days of leaded gasoline and older paints. The hazard could be real -- and the article presents some fixes -- but I cannot help thinking that the underlying message is "Don't even try growing your own food."

Remember, boys and girls, the government and the official state-approved priests always know what is best for you.

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6 Comments:

Blogger Yewtree said...

And Big Brother is watching you...

6:19 AM  
Blogger Midwest Chick said...

The lead in the soil thing is probably something that's meant to lay the groundwork for some legislation in the works that, if interpreted broadly, could make growing your own food illegal.

But it's all designed to infantilize the American people.

7:38 AM  
OpenID feralhistorian said...

Because if we're doing things ourselves, we're not consuming. And THAT, according to the powers that be, is our designated role.

9:17 AM  
OpenID rozewolf said...

This also shows the effects of not teaching basic home economic skills in schools. I know I learned to test for rotten wood, bug infestation, etc.

As for the nanny state... don't get me started...

4:21 PM  
Blogger Dracalah said...

Should I be glad I'm in the Netherlands instead of in America? Or should I be as sad as all Americans?

12:00 PM  
Anonymous Chas S. Clifton said...

Dutch newspapers encourage you to make your own plumbing repairs?

5:14 PM  

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