I have good news and bad news concerning my 151/2—year-old daughter, Zoe, who is a sophomore at Meadowdale High School.
The good news is that for two terms in a row she has a perfect 4.0 grade point average, and this with a vigorous academic schedule. The bad news is that she is so sleight, barely besting 100 pounds, that with the new child seat law she will have to be constrained in such a device during travel, until she attains age 16.
This presents some problems. She has her driver’s learner permit. Will the driving school have to have her in a booster seat while learning to drive? How about the junior prom? Instead of the traditional picture in front of the fireplace, with her date dressed in a nice suit or tux and she in an elegant dress, will the picture be one of her restrained in the child seat in the car? What impact will this have on the date as they proceed to the dance?
Zoe pointed out that she could have an abortion at her age without anyone knowing or consenting to it, but for travel purposes, she is treated like a pre-teen child. Well, yes, she could have an abortion without parental knowledge or consent, but she would have to travel to the abortion clinic restrained in a child seat.
This new law has direct and immediate impact on my daughter. She understands that this law was passed by a Democratic-controlled Legislature and signed by a Democratic governor, each with an unswerving bent towards nannyism. Their view is that the state knows better how to parent than the actual parents. They will have their way with their social engineering schemes, the parents’ role and rights summarily heaved over the side.
David W. Freese
Edmonds
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