I frequently visit HowStuffWorks.com to check out their QuickStuff section located on the main page. In it they have a daily survey on seemingly totally random subjects. I was very disappointed by the results of today’s survey. The posed question was (emphasis mine):

Do you think advertisements should be banned from TV channels for children?

The fact that a majority of voters agree with this proposal says a lot to me about the mindset of many Americans, and it is disheartening. The first problem I see with this idea is its direct contradiction to the capitalist economy in which we live. It seems as though no logic was used in this other than: “Commercials may be bad for children so therefore we must get rid of them regardless of consequences.” Also, I wish the word “banned” was further defined so as to indicate who would do the banning. I am sure this authority would go to the government. This brings up the second issue I have with this idea: why do we continue to allow and invite government invasion of our private lives? Just because an idea may be a good one (in this specific case I would argue against even that) is no reason to give the government authority to force it on us. Just because eating healthy and exercising are definitely good ideas does not mean I want a new government agency to enforce them on all Americans. Say NO to the fat police.

I should say that HowStuffWorks.com is run by Marshall Brain so it comes as no suprise to me when I see a question like that from his site. Although he often has very interesting ideas or comments on technology, I would not see him as being a big proponent of individual’s rights. See the following posts from his personal blog as references:

• Funding Robotic Freedom
• British vs. American Health Care