Nannies in power

Most symbolically, this year’s White House Easter Egg Roll pointedly did not include the distribution of teeth-rotting, obesity-inducing candy. “Every goodie bag,” according to one account, “was stuffed with pre-screened fruit, and the grounds were filled with exercise stations.” One can only imagine the joy on young faces when they got their apple and their workout…

For some of us, the problem is not the tyranny but the nagging. As the public role in health care dramatically expands, health care controversies become politicized. The health enthusiasms of a president, an influential congressman or an interest group can become public policy or public pressure. After all: “Look what’s happened on other issues Congress felt strongly about.”…

The health care issue will not fade, because Obama has opened a raucous debate on the size and role of government that he cannot simply close. America is experiencing an outbreak of political philosophy. It is like the Constitutional Convention — except that the participants are throwing food at each other and making rude gestures. It is like the Federalist Papers — in comic book form.