Abstract

The dominant language of politics in the United States has been political individualism, with minimal restrictions on property and personal, voluntary conduct. But there are second languages of community that stress cooperation and group action. These second languages include the constitutional tradition for public health. Public health offers a community justification for paternalistic measures that, for example, discourage smoking or require seatbelts.

KIE:

The political focus in the United States has been on individualism with minimal restrictions on property and personal conduct. Government regulation or paternalism has been accepted, however, in the area of public health. Political thought has embraced the concepts of common or group interests which must be protected and which legitimize the police power of the state. Contemporary public health problems such as fluoridation, alcoholism, the wearing of motorcycle helmets, and the discouragement of smoking are discussed in terms of constitutional rights and the collective good.