07/14/08 Precautionary Lawmaking

There is a vicious circle when it comes to using the "precautionary principle". The act of banning something because it "might" be a risk factor is one that takes on the dimensions of pure ludicrousness. Like a snowball rolling down hill, it will be hard to stop and could destroy everything in its path as it continues to grow larger and becomes completely out of control. Using this principle lawmakers can outlaw not only items that have been proven to be harmful or deadly but anything that could possibly have the potential for harm. In this vain everything involves a risk. Did you realize that raisins, cornflakes, certain cheeses and honey are "risky" foods? According to a recent government report in the UK these foods and others should be on a restricted advertising list. Since someone, somewhere will always be allergic to something at sometime, are lawmakers going to take on the paternal apron of deciding what foods or products each of us will or will not be allowed to purchase for our own private use and consumption? Lawmakers take heed; precautionary lawmaking could be dangerous to all our health.