Someone to watch over me

An on-going argument that gets at the heart of the American system is over how much input and oversight government should have in our lives. To simplify, a significant group of people prefer less oversight ("government is the problem") and another large group sees benefits in having government heavily involved in business and health and safety issues.

Of course, there is quite a range of opinions that lie along the continuum that runs from "leave us alone" to "regulate everything." Intelligent debate and discussion tends to lie somewhere between the extremes.

I was thinking about this today when I read that Peloton is recalling its treadmills after at least one child died and at least 29 others were injured by the exercise devices. Individual families are the source of the complaints and the data had to be compiled by the government. The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning on April 17 about the machines and posted a YouTube video showing a child pulled under the equipment.

Not surprisingly, the company initially called the warning "inaccurate and misleading," and said they would not be recalling the treadmills. 

But the reality of the data and the threat of lawsuits and the horrible publicity combined to change Peloton's position. 

I suppose a few child death's won't move the needle in our continuing debate about the role of government, but a lot of Americans are reminded today that someone needs to oversee manufacturers and food processors and providers of services. Failure to do so can lead to death and injury.

Some will argue that our system eventually weeds out the charlatans and the cost-cutters and the simply negligent companies and manufacturers. That may be true.

But how much suffering and injury and death and injustice should we be OK with until the system corrects itself? I opt for "the least possible," and that is why I welcome governmental experts investigating our products and services when warranted.