In 2 intriguing developments…
John Rosemond has written a nationally syndicated parental advice column for years. In addition to his column, Rosemond has authored multiple bestsellers, such as Parenting by the Book and Making the ‘Terrible’ Twos Terrific! When responding recently to a question of how to handle their “highly spoiled underachiever” son, Rosemond advised the parents to strip the boy’s room down to essentials, take away electronic devices, and suspend privileges until the boy’s grades improved.
The State of Kentucky — specifically, the Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology – then declared that by offering such one-on-one advice, Rosemond is engaging in the “practice of psychology” – something he is not entitled to do in the state since he lacks a Kentucky license, as even though he is a nationally syndicated columnist, his North Carolina credentials are not valid in Kentucky.
The bottom line: the government says a citizen is not qualified nor allowed to do what he does without the government’s supervision, authorization, and approval.
Steve Cooksey, no less, is a blogger from North Carolina. He encourages others, prompted by the passion of his own experience. Listen to Cooksey’s brief bio:
“To summarize my story, I was an obese, sedentary, recently diagnosed diabetic when I began this journey. I was on diabetes, cholesterol, and hypertension drugs as well as taking 4 insulin shots per day. But within days things began to change and within a few months, I WAS A NEW PERSON!”
Cooksey’s health improved drastically due to utilization of the growingly popular, high-protein Paleo Diet.
Yet alas, the State of North Carolina — specifically, the North Carolina Board of Dietetics/Nutrition — told Cooksey the advice-like language throughout his blog — and his offering of personal support to those attempting to transition to a “Paleo” lifestyle — were illegal. Let me say that again: illegal.
The bottom line: the government says a citizen is not qualified nor allowed to do what he does without the government’s supervision, authorization, and approval.
Interestingly, both Rosemond and Cooksey have sued the government on the grounds of free speech and the First Amendment. Let me also add that I’m certain there exist aspects in each case that we don’t know. My prayer regardless is that their ongoing cases will be heard and directed by wise, fair-minded persons.
However, what concerns me is the potential precedent and lingering questions…
Is only government able to decide who is qualified?
Is only government able to decide who is allowed?
I wonder… in the future… if not in possession of a state teaching license, will parents be deemed qualified to teach their own children? Will they be allowed?
I have no idea whether the words and wisdom of Rosemond and/or Cooksey are actually wise or not; the potential precedent, however, of the government’s increasingly intrusive, larger role disturbs me.
What if the citizens’ words are not wise? Does the government still need to control that? Are only wise words allowed to be shared? And is only the government capable of determining what wisdom is? Must they supervise? … authorize? … and approve? …
… Be honest. Be kind. Love people well. Never run from truth. Don’t be afraid of the hard stuff. Be respectful. Be compassionate. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Forgive. Forgive again. Figure the faith thing out. Don’t spend what you don’t have. Exercise. Ponder. Reject hypocrisy. Be humble. Laugh often. Make good friends. Be loyal. Invest. Embrace your family. Love through thick and thin. Enjoy ice cream in the summer. And read the Intramuralist faithfully.
There. There’s my advice for today. It’s free. You’ll have to discern whether or not it’s wise. Actually, that’s our job.
Respectfully,
AR