I’m always amused by the derisive way that people use the term ‘Nanny State’ as if it’s something bad. Let’s look at a really bad day for a young Port Macquarie mum.
The alarm goes off – electricity system – nanny built it. She does her ablutions – sewer system – nanny built it. She goes downstairs and fills the kettle for a coffee – water system – nanny built it. Calls a girlfriend to arrange lunch – telephone network – nanny built it. Drives the kids to school – roads and school – nanny built them. Crashes her car on the way back home and an ambulance arrives – sent by nanny. She goes to the hospital – built by nanny. Doctor treats her for free – paid for by nanny. She goes home to find that her house has been burgled and is on fire – nanny sends nanny’s police and fire brigade. Nanny’s police catch the criminals and nanny’s court puts them in nanny’s gaol. She loses her job and nanny sends her some money so she won’t starve. Then, to top it off, New Zealand declares war on us and nanny sends all her armed forces to kidnap all their sheep and hold them for ransom.
Nanny State! Talk about biting the hand that feeds you.
Adrian Wollaston, Lighthouse Beach
