Mayor Bloomberg pushing NYC hospitals to hide baby formula so more new moms will breast-feed

[markpkessinger]

197. I am generally skeptical of invocations of "nanny state" complaints . . .

. . . because -- at least up until now -- I have generally seen those complaints as little more than a conservative dog whistle used to whip the right into a frenzy. But even for an old lefty like me there are limits to the areas I think government has any business getting involved in, and this is over the line for me (as is the push to ban smoking in city parks, even though I'm a non-smoker who lost both parents to lung cancer from smoking). In this case, maybe the appropriate term isn't "nanny state" but "nursemaid state."

But then, I haven't forgiven the city council (including Christine Quinn, who I like on so many other issues) for permitting Bloomberg his one-time exemption from term limits, which NYC voters had approved in TWO CONSECUTIVE BALLOT REFERENDUMS. The result is we now have our very own little Napoleon at the helm of the city (about the same height, too, and with the same complex).

I am not opposed to encouraging breast feeding (when possible, that is). If they want to do a blitz of public service ads encouraging it, great -- go for it. I am, however, totally opposed to mayor-mandated "talks" by health care professionals with mothers who, for whatever reason, opt not to breast feed. This is a decision that should be made by the mother in consultation with her neo-natal/pediatric care practitioners. It is not something the city has any business getting involved in.