There are nutters in the UK government too
The so-called war on terror has been used to justify everything from mass surveillance programs and drone strikes to extraordinary renditions and torture programs. Now its being used to cover another dubious effort: asking childcare professionals in the United Kingdom to warn the government when they fear a toddler might become a terrorist.
That might sound like a satirical take on modern life, but its actually happening. This is a thing that babysitters, schools, nurseries, and universities will be asked to do if the counter-terrorism measures before parliament are enacted, according to the Telegraph. Theyll also have to teach fundamental British values in an age-appropriate manner.
Im not sure how thats supposed to be accomplished. Is there a song about the problem with extremism that toddlers can learn? How about a picture book about why its wrong to wear a suicide vest out in public? Perhaps a cartoon that teaches children about the wonders of the West and brainwashes them into never criticizing their governments?
Those are obviously jokes, but I fear some British official might be reading them and thinking theyre good ideas, so I want to make something clear: these are horrible ideas. To think babysitters or teachers can identify extremist toddlers is insane using cutesy songs or books to combat these little diaper-wearing jihadis is just batshit crazy. ...........(more)
The complete piece is at:
http://pando.com/2015/01/05/the-uk-wants-professionals-to-be-on-the-lookout-for-extremist-toddlers/?utm_source=PandoDigest&utm_campaign=492b7b5009-PandoDigest_December_9_2013_copy_09_12_11_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_2f01c2729e-492b7b5009-81086421