Nothing soft about Scottish paternalism

Interesting article in the Economist this week about the emergence of "soft paternalism" - where the state legislates to help you help yourself. Interesting because I personally feel that the Scottish Parliament has legislated way too far into peoples' lives -smoking bans, glass bans, drinking in public bans, campaigns teaching us how to boil a kettle...

While you can agree with some of these a government that sees interference in personal choice as the main way to influence change is dangerous. I am surprised to see the Economist take such a neutral line on this type of thing - they are usually far more rabidly in favour of free markets. Must be the new boy!

Anyway, try shouting 'avuncluar' at your MSP next time you see them - you'll probably get beaten up!