Parents abusing children

I decided to go out today and wander around the shopping mall. Quite exciting, if you're into watching zombies walk around and spend money. It was a nice reminder of why I so rarely go to the mall anymore.

But there was one interesting moment. I was walking past one of the ear-piercing carts (I estimate there were about 428 of them), and saw a guy just taking a seat in their chair, with an infant in his arms. I remember thinking that he was probably getting the baby's ears pierced. A few minutes later, I was walking past again, and I saw that the obvious conclusion was correct. The baby was screaming like her (?) little heart was breaking- I have no doubt that getting this done was pretty painful.

And next to them stood Mom, smiling proudly at her crying baby.

What the hell is wrong with these people? This child was literally an infant- I would question whether the baby was even a year old- and I doubt very much that she was able to communicate to her parents that she wanted her ears pierced. So they did it on their own, to satisfy their own egos.

At the expense of their child.

I wonder how often there are complications from ear-piercing. Because if there is any risk at all- and I wonder how well trained a 20 year old woman is- then I'd suspect it's worse for a baby. And I for one would never subject a baby to that.

But the other thought that crossed my mind was whether this could harm the child in any lasting, psychological sense. A child, especially one that young, is incapable of taking care of him or herself. She trusts Mommy and Daddy to do what it best for her. And then they pay someone to shove a needle through their ears. For what? Again, their own ego, I guess.

I would intuitively suspect that this sort of thing goes deep into a baby's memory bank, and stays there whispering "don't trust them, they'll do things to hurt you" at certain times.

If it weren't for the fact that I would never wish that outcome on anyone, I'd almost hope that this poor little girl grows up to cause massive problems for her parents.

Because they deserve it. I don't know why this is allowed- shouldn't it be considered child abuse? If it's wrong to spank a child on the rear for misbehaving, then why is it acceptable to pay somebody to shove a needle through their tiny and still not quite completely developed ear. Without their consent or knowledge.

Sick, sick, sick.

Do the Democrats read Steyn?

Here's an article by Mark Steyn, discussing health care in Canada. Scary stuff. I just hope that people look over this article and see what it is that Hillary, Obama and all their cronies want to give us.

Especially read the part describing the medical emergency of Mrs. Steyn.

No way do I want any part of this.

Bureaucrats suck!!

Came across this tale today. Thanks to Ace for linking to this tale.

The guy sounds almost too good to be true. He deserves a new nickname, with a nod to Elton John (who wouldn't understand) and Bernie Taupin (who would):

R.I.P. Ben Salomon, aka Captain Fantastic.