Excellent article in the Times.
I believe people should be free to do whatever stupid things they want. As long as their stupidity does not infringe on my right to live a safe, healthy life.
Therefore, given the MASSIVE and undeniable secondary costs to me through society of having a whole bunch of obese people, I think not allowing people to use food stamps to buy soda and junk food is a great start. Though it needs to be coupled with alternatives, like ensuring there is some actual food (fresh vegetables, etc.) available to those food stamp shoppers.
Bottom line: America has an addiction problem. Addicted to alcohol, addicted to guns, addicted to sugar and salt and trans-fat.
And the first step towards curing an addiction: admitting there is a problem.
Until the USofA, as a nation, as a people, collectively say "This is a problem and it is unacceptable", nothing of any significance will change.
The only thing to do is, each of us, one at a time, live our life as best we can; being an implicit role model.
Well put, Ren. I'm a fan of Jamie Oliver who's been trying to create change in the way people eat in the UK and also the US
ReplyDeleteNo one will change until they want to. And no one will want to until they realize that they way they eat now is Not Good.
ReplyDeleteSadly no one SAYS that.
The gov't says "Eat more cheese!" and "sugar-free cookies are good for you!" and refuses to advocate a reasonable diet. Whenever the gov't tries to dictate anything healthy, people freak out about "the nanny state". Well guess what, act like a picky eater 3 year-old and you deserve to be treated like one.
Definitely agree on the food-stamp front....food-stamps should be for basics and nothing else. I think here in Gainesville they give out coupons that can be used at the farmer's market. Hmmmm...I should look into it. Some of the shit I've seen people buy with food stamps is disgusting.
ReplyDeletewelcome to the future of health and fitness!
ReplyDeleteI go back and forth about whether to try and help the obese with laws and regulation or let them live out the consequences of their choices like any other adult. Still haven't found a place that feels like the right mix of compassion and responsibility.
ReplyDeleteI am FINE with people being fat and unhealthy. I am NOT fine with having to pay for it. MY insurance rates go up because they skew the curve, just like motorcycle riders who refuse to wear a helmet make everyone's car insurance rates go up. Similarly: you should have the right to not wear a helmet, but if you don't, your insurance should pay for NOTHING. Same deal if you don't wear your seatbelt.
ReplyDeleteMy problem with most people is they want the benefits of society without taking any personal responsibility.