>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>Will you at least agree that society has a stronger role in protecting children than adults?
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>Tamar
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>In the abstract, yes I agree. It's the implementation of the ideal that gets me.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>On this, in principal, I agree with you completely. I lean more to the libertarian views - less government control and oversight - than to any other party. However, when it comes to children, I really think that society has a reponsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves when necessary. Being realistic, I also know that many children remove the helmet as soon as the parent is out of sight. However, given that many parents (like yourself) would not voluntarily enforce helmet protection on their children, I think it is fine for it be enforced by law. Same with car seats and seatbelts on minors. Now, when it comes to adults, I disagree. There should be no helmet or seatbelt law for adults. Wearing either protects oneself, not others. I do not see any proportional good to the masses being enjoyed by having such a law.
>>>>>
>>>>>Just to be clear, I am not a parent, yet. Nonetheless, you are correct, I will not enforce a helmet upon my children and since we live in the middle of nowhere the nanny-state will not either.
>>>>
>>>>I really am curious about this. What exactly is the downside to having your kids wear a helmet and be a little more protected? Maybe I could understand this debate a bit better if I understood the downside, but frankly, I don't see it.
>>>>
>>>>Pluses - the kid is better protected and in case of a bad fall is less likely to be badly hurt.
>>>>Minuses - ?
>>>
>>>The dork factor. Never underestimate how important that is to kids.
>>
>>Damn, that's what I should've said.
>
>Except for the fact that so many kids are wearing them these days, I'm not sure the dork factor is much of an issue any more. I mean, look at bicycle messengers. Talk about dorky! Don't those people have mirrors?
>
>As dogbert pointed out:
>
>Problem: Bicycle seats are uncomfortable.
>Solution: Dorky pants.

Bicycle messengers are insane. I think it's actually a job requirement.