Heidi's update today regarding the "New Freedom Initiative" made me take action, though more action is necessary. My first step was to visit the whitehouse's email form at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/interactive/interact_1.html where I left the following message:

"How can you guarantee that my rights as a parent will not be taken away by the proposed mandatory mental health screening of children? As an individual who has had affective disorders that were best treated through exercise, light therapy, and dietary changes, I would hate to have a child forced to take psychotropic medications which can mask the symptoms instead of leading to a solid diagnosis and treatment or cure. I mean, what if we had screened children for obesity and forced them to take phen-fen? It's just too risky and doesn't address the real problem.

Mental health screening, as proposed, seems to be only in the pharmaceutical industry's favor, and threatens the most basic unit of this nation, the family."

My next step is to contact my congressman, since this is coming before the house of representatives. I have not been vocal about my political views on my blog, as some have. I am a republican, though never straight-ticket. I even listen to Rush on occasion... that should get me some comments! Although I have helped a democrat campaign for congress when the republican was too ingrained with big business at the expense of the citizens. I wouldn't say that I sit on both sides of the fence, but my views on the issues are my own and don't always fit into one party. The "New Freedom Initiative" is another example of how the government needs to be kept in check, and I'm going to do my part to check it. Politicians from both main parties will grab for power when given the opportunity, it's a sad fact, and human nature, but it's up to the people to make sure they don't succeed in such power grabs. Here's my message to all politicians: Keep your bread and circus, I'll take care of myself and my family, thank you.