"This won't end well."

http://news.investors.com/ibd-editorials/080113-666080-with-the-nudge-big-brother-never-had-it-so-good.htm

A "Nudge" To Tyranny

 Posted 06:36 PM ET

"Government: In a bid to make Americans do "what's goGovernment: In a bid to make Americans do "what's good for them," Obama administration social engineers have come up with a "Nudge" program to manipulate public choices. This won't end well.
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But it's bound to go bad fast, in at least three directions.

First, the government hasn't a clue as to what's good for the public. To take one example, take a look at the food pyramid still promoted by the Agriculture Department — a high-carbohydrate recipe that claims to offer a healthy diet. Studies show that carbs cause obesity, but the government still pushes its old message — which is a guaranteed way to gain weight.

Second, it's doubtful this plan will remain just about heathy diet choices. If the public can be manipulated into buying certain food, how soon before the nudge expertise gets transferred to voting choices?

It's relevant because the Obama administration has shown a propensity for turning the organs of state into electoral instruments, starting with using the IRS to target political opponents.
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Third, there is the subtle issue of lost freedom as nudges go into effect. If government can dictate that fatty food be placed on hard-to-reach shelves, and healthy food is easier to reach, how long before it starts dictating unreasonable nudges — such as allowing fatty food only in certain areas?"






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