It's None of their Business

The other day, my kids brought home a paper saying that the school would be conducting surveys on the kids. They would assess the children's overall health, starting with giving them a pedometer for a week, logging their daily step totals. In conjunction with this, the students are to keep track of what they eat each day in a food log. Then at the the end, the school would take the children's measurements to determine their BMI. In return for the school's collection of data, they federal government will give them an undisclosed amount of money for programs. What school, especially in a small town like ours, wouldn't jump at the chance for some more money even if they have to invade the child's privacy?

My thoughts on this plan of theirs is simple. It is none of their business and it has nothing to do with their job. The last time I checked, schools were supposed to teach kids the basics right? What business is it of the government's what my kids eat, their body mass index or how much they walk? I know that the President's wife is on a mission to combat childhood obesity. Well, good for her. But, again, it is none of the Government's business.

They did give me forms to opt out of the BMI. AS far as the pedometer is concerned I don't really care. But I will not fill out their food logs. My son was upset when I told him that I would not complete them because the teachers are dangling prizes in front of the kids in order to get them to comply. I haven't decided yet what to do with the food logs. Should I just return them empty or fuck with them by putting all kids of crap on it.

The government doesn't want us knowing what they are doing, but they sure as shit want to know everything we do.