… after their baby daughter died from malnutrition: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1371172/French-vegan-couple-face-jail-child-neglect-baby-died-vitamin-deficiency.html
Just wondering what people think about this story. Is this a crime worthy of imprisonment or some other forceful punishment, or was it just a mistake that shouldn’t be punished?
I recommend everyone watch the documentary film Fat Head for an entertaining and true explanation of nutrition and how the U.S. medical profession has been full of crap for decades.
Regarding this accidental death, the article said, “She only weighed 5.7 kilos (12.5 pounds), compared to an average eight kilos for children of the same age . . . Mr Daquo said: ‘The couple did not follow doctor’s advice to take their baby to hospital when she was suffering from bronchitis and was losing weight when they went for the nine-month check-up.”
The parents knew the child had health problems. They ignored medical advice. It cost the life of their child. They failed as parents.
This was not an unknown rare genetic condition which killed the child because the parents gave the child a food that triggered a fatal reaction.
I am uncertain what proportional punishment can be used. The child is dead, so it cannot be compensated.
Death penalty for the parents? We need a Mises Daily on this.
It doesn’t seem that the state is alleging intent to kill or even harm…, but is indicting them for ignorance/mistake.
If they grieve for their daughter that may be punishment enough. If they don’t that does not endear me to them.
My impression:
It is based within the context of the community that has knowledge of the case at hand. What are the customs? Were they in a “they should know better position” in any way they proceded? How else did they raise their child, was it contrary to every established norm, etc. Is there a need for empathy, are they “punished” enough? What type of culture did these parents come from? The questions are endless, and answerless if you are not directly tied with such a case.
Yes, I pretty much agree. This is why I don’t buy into the ‘religion is child abuse’ nutters. If someone believes in YHWH it’s hard to say they could know better.
Gero-
That movie was awesome, but I don’t quite understand what causes the inflamed artery or whatever to get oxidized.
For those of you more familiar with Rothbard’s writings on libertarianism and libertarian ethics, what did he say about such instances or what do you think he would have said?
Simple sugars and various chemicals found in processed foods can cause inflammation and oxidization.