It appears I should change the name of my blog to The Perspicacious Choices, not Conservative…because all I really argue about anymore is the right to make choices for myself. I’m sure you’ve all heard by now, but a 4-year old’s lunch was sent home in North Carolina recently because a state inspector ruled it unhealthy. A turkey and cheese sandwich with a banana, potato chips and apple juice did not meet U.S. Agricultural guidelines.

Excuse me? What the hell are they talking about? That sounds like the lunch I ate everyday from age 5-18. Do you know what they replaced the child’s lunch with? Chicken fingers. I’m sure they were organic, unprocessed and free of any additives,right? We all know how healthy chicken nuggets are when purchased in bulk and frozen. AND they were charged for the cost of the school lunch!

Now, according to North Carolina CHILD CARE RULE .0901- Food from home- “When children bring their own food from home for meals or snacks to the center, if the food does not meet the nutritional requirements outlined in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care, the center must provide additional food necessary to meet those requirements.”. I’ll be darned if the school I send my children to will decide what they can and cannot eat….The state, with oversight from the federal government, WILL NOT dictate who eats what in my family.

The story brought back memories of 7th grade when I was called to the Principals Office for wearing a sleeveless turtleneck sweater with jeans. The Principal saw me in the hall in between classes and quickly established that my outfit was “too revealing”. (A turtleneck? Really?) The issue was soon put to rest when my mom showed up to school, livid and wearing the same sweater in another color. Yes, a professional, working woman wearing a sweater in the workplace but it was not appropriate for middle school. Mom sent me back to class as she battled with the Principal. The issue was never brought up again.

There is simply too much discretion and regulation in schools. Each child is different and who knows them better than their own parents? And who is obligated and rightfully the ones to make those decisions? Parents.

We, as a society, get to make fewer and fewer decisions for ourselves every day. Think of all the things that are regulated by discretion: the Internet, roads, schooling, zoning permits, architectural plans, dog shots & registrations, cars, food, clothing, real estate, alcohol…….

America….Land of the Free!!!!