The Family and The State

This is a very complex subject with strong emotion on both sides of the argument. I'm going to try to keep this post relatively short and open-ended. But, this is a subject worth considerable debate - so, upon introduction, I'll leave it to readers to think and reflect before further discourse.

I read a story this week (which I will introduce in a moment) which cuts straight to the heart of the issue of the family and the state. Perhaps more specifically, I should say the family vs. the state. I have made my feelings well known in this blog that I believe that the family should have governance authority over the state. Indeed the state should have limited authority beyond the protection and guarantee of basic rights to life, liberty and property.

This becomes a more complicated issue when it is perceived that the family is asserting beliefs or practices in a non-violent manner which are deemed to be dangerous or damaging to the rights of a child. I have struggled with where the line should be drawn; I definitely have some opinions, but I'm going to save those for later.

In the meantime, please consider the case of Daniel Hauser. Hauser is a thirteen year-old in Minnesota who has been diagnosed with cancer. He and his parents have decided to refuse chemotherapy treatments in favor of the natural medicinal treatments practiced by the Nemenhah Band. The court has ruled that the Hausers must seek chemotherapy treatment or turn Daniel over to protective custody.

A detailed news story can be found here. The court's ruling can be found here.

Happy reading and reflecting...