“I’m from the government, and I’m here to help”

Can there possibly be a more frightening phrase than that? I have doubts. Especially after reading this:

They were just a normal, happy family, it seems, until the RSPCA, backed up by 18 police officers, arrived at their house early one April morning in 2007, following a tip-off that dogs were being mistreated, and that there might be guns in the house.

No guns were ever found. No criminal charges were brought, nor does Richard have a criminal record.

…

This week, after 74 separate court hearings over two harrowing years, the family finally lost their fight to have Jenny returned to them.

The Court of Appeal in London ruled that their daughter must be given up for adoption. If and when she is, they may never see her again.

Jenny was five when she was taken away, and seven now.

“Social Services,” both in Britain and America, seem to be at the leading edge of stampeding fascism. There are tales of woe from both sides of the Atlantic where brain-dead bureaucrats have decided – based on minimal or even misleading evidence – to break up familes. And being government bureaucrats, they are accountable, it seems, to nobody.

One is left to wonder… if these parents could somehow grab their daughter and spirit her across the Atlantic, could they seek political asylum? On the one hand, US government bureaucrats would surely come down in favor of their Brit counterparts… but on the other hand, we regularly accept people based on the notion that if they return home, their familes will be torn apart.

Another interesting fact: the article does not show a photo of the child. The parents were threatened with jail because *they* put up a poster with a photo of their child. It is apparently illegal in Britain  to identify children in such circumstances. Even by the kids parents.

A general suggestion: whenever you hear a politician or a government official or bureaucrat suggest doing *anything* that increases the scope and power of the government, be concerned. But if, when explaining why they want that new power, they say “for the children,” be afraid.  It’s time to start seriously considering that the use of the phrase “for the children” by government employees is grounds for immediate job termination and a permanent ban on ever drawing another penny in government salary or pension.