The ideal of American freedom is that all of our people should be free to make our own choices, and do just about whatever we please — so long as we do not infringe upon the equal rights of others.
There are many things that may be “a good idea,” good for people to do, for the benefit of ourselves and others. But the ideal of American freedom is not to dictate them, and to leave those decisions to each one of us as individuals, even if they may not be the wisest.
It’s a good idea to get a “good night’s sleep.” That’s good for our health. Maybe your mother told you so. But what would you think if Congress, or the “government” on any level, legislated that you had to be in bed at 10 p.m. and had to stay there till 6 a.m. — or be fined for doing otherwise?
You’d consider that ridiculous, an excess of government, wouldn’t you?
Did your mother insist you “eat a good breakfast,” then “brush your teeth,” and get “healthy exercise” every day? She should have. But “government” shouldn’t.