Posted by
Andrews on Sunday, December 20, 2009 7:11:04 PM
For all those who think the US has gone too far down the route of government involvement in every facet of our lives, think again. Like some other former British colonies (eg. Australia) we are remarkably free. If you doubt it, read the following from the
Wikipedia article on savate:
In France the professeur must have "Le Brevet D'Etat D'Educateur
Sportif Specialise" (BEES1 or BEES2). These BEES are university level
education in Sports with specialization in Savate (supervised by the
FFBFSDA). The Professorat BEES (professeur rank is no longer awarded at
the Federation Level but is awarded by the State of France Ministry of
Sport Education (about +/-12 years of training). The international
Federation, however, is still allowed to award professeur
instructorship to non-French nationals without requiring such rigid
system of education. French Nationals have to submit and succeed to the
rigid system of education and prove themselves in competition as well
as being respected by peers, in order to have a slight chance to become
a DTD (Directeur Technique Departemental). Like any sport Federations
in France, the French and International Federation of Savate are under
the control of France Ministry of Sport and Youth.
Now, I know MLB is exempt from anti-trust legislation thanks to granting the government certain minimal oversight, but that is about as close as we come to anything this absurdly inteventionist. And thank G-d for that. Can you imagine a US where there is a "Ministry of Sports and Youth" which certifies you as an expert in your sport? I am offended enough that we license doctors ( "
Medical Regulation II"), I can't imagine a nation which licenses boxers. (Yes, we have boxing regulators, but they don't tell you whether you are a boxer, just that you are fit enough not to die in the ring. There is a big difference. Though even that amount of regulation troubles me, inveterate libertarian that I am.)
There really is no more point to this, just found an example of how insanely involved government can become, and, as it was the most bizarre example of intrusive government I have found since I read about state regulated vacations under the Third Reich, I thought I would mention it.
POSTSCRIPT
As you can tell, I am actually taking my vacation fairly seriously and writing much less than usual. As promised, this will end at the beginning of next year and I will be back to my usual madly rapid pace of posting. Until then, thanks to all the regulars who continue to drop by despite the reduced quantity of posts. I appreciate the support.