Reflections on Modern Policymaking
As the new year begins, I find myself reflecting on current policymaking trends. It’s a thought-provoking topic, for sure.
I remember going to the same hair salon during my childhood. The stylist lived nearby and had transformed part of her home into a salon years ago. Recently, she mentioned some upcoming laws from the Maryland General Assembly that will take effect in 2025.
Starting next year, the State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists will mandate that barbers, cosmetologists, estheticians, blow-dry stylists, and eyelash extension technicians complete a one-hour course on domestic violence awareness.
This course aims to help these professionals identify signs of domestic violence, communicate with potential victims, and refer them to proper resources. But, I can’t help but wonder: do we really need to train hairdressers to become, in essence, state-appointed domestic violence reporters? It feels like a step back from a time when we recognized the inherent decency in people without government intervention.
Would a seasoned hairdresser really stay silent if she noticed something unusual, like a strange birthmark on a client’s neck? This initiative seems part of a broader trend I call “least common denominator politics.” Essentially, it’s about shaping policy to cater to the lowest common denominator, thereby restricting the majority who could operate at a higher standard.
Another example is the prescription of gabapentin. If you have a pet that experiences anxiety in the car, you’re likely familiar with this medication, which is frequently given to dogs and cats in mild doses to prevent them from getting sick during travel.
The drug can, at times, be prescribed to people for conditions like nerve pain and epilepsy. However, it can also lead to addiction if misused and potentially has adverse effects when mixed with other medications. Interestingly, there have been several cases of veterinarians obtaining gabapentin unlawfully for resale.
This hit home when I switched my cat’s care from a Maryland vet to one in Virginia. My previous vet provided a steady supply of gabapentin, eliminating the need for frequent refills. However, in Virginia, gabapentin is categorized as a Schedule V controlled substance, limiting prescriptions to just a week’s supply at a time. So now, for a round trip to visit Grandma, I find myself needing to manage prescriptions more meticulously, which is inconvenient for someone who travels often.
And then there’s the issue of childhood vaccines, which serves as one of the quintessential examples of least common denominator politics. Prior to 1991, the hepatitis B vaccine was only recommended for high-risk infants, typically those born to mothers who tested positive for the virus. Hepatitis B is challenging to transmit to infants outside of very specific circumstances, like abusive homes.
In a relatively short span, from 1988 to 1991, health authorities shifted from testing mothers for hepatitis B to universally recommending the vaccine for all infants. This decision stemmed from perceived gaps in identifying at-risk infants, resulting in an approach that could be seen as a blanket solution.
The side effects of the hepatitis B vaccine can include swelling, fever, fatigue, and more. It’s concerning that some individuals, possibly struggling with their own issues, may inadvertently subject their children to unnecessary distress due to policy decisions.
What else is currently on my mind?
It seems there’s a lot of foolishness and hesitation in our decision-making.
Years ago, Minnesotans expressed strong concerns regarding specific issues, yet those in charge claimed there was nothing they could do.
Plants Over People?
Reports suggest that the Los Angeles Fire Department prioritized protecting endangered plants over fighting fires, raising eyebrows.
The Lone Wolf Crusade
This topic deserves serious scrutiny as it poses one of the most pressing threats to our society today.
