They're tasty, I'm sure. Photo from thedailygreen.com
Look.
There’s an obesity issue in the United States. It crosses all lines—gender, race, age, economic status, etc. We need not look further than our own mirrors in too many cases.
I, for one, have at least 40 lbs. to lose again (done it twice, gained it all back). I could probably stand to lose 60-70 lbs. That would put me back to the weight I was in high school.
First Lady Michelle Obama unveiled her “Let’s Move” campaign a couple of years ago, aimed primarily at childhood obesity. Last week, however, it was announced that the military will be revamping its menu selections, too, and Mrs. Obama was at the Little Rock Air Force Base to cheer on the decision.
First ladies have traditionally championed some cause. That’s fine.
And government-funded departments, agencies and programs are always at the whim and mercy of whoever is in office. This week, it’s more fruits and vegetables for the military. Next time, it might be gruel for the peasants.
If I were to ask an active duty military person what they thought about the new menu rules, I doubt I’d get a straight answer. They don’t badmouth their superiors. There’s a loyalty there, something to be admired, and having healthier choices on the menu is not on the same level as withdrawing funding from the military or withholding moral support.
Yet, to me, it’s just one more thing the government has done to take away choice, responsibility and consequence.
We won’t eat healthy, that leads to health problems, and that leads to expensive health care.
Something the government doesn’t need since parts of the national health care bill have been phasing in since it was passed and will come into full force in 2014.
Ergo, the government must step in and save us from ourselves.
I’ve heard many ask the question, where does it end? The answer is, it doesn’t, at least not before we’re all looking at a “The Day After Tomorrow” scenario, except it’s not Mother Nature that will do it to us. It will be ourselves.
I don’t mind reminders. If restaurants want to provide healthier alternatives on their menus, okay. Even stating the calories of each menu is okay.
It’s the compulsion part I take issue with.
Liberty is a fundamental right, and not just in our Representative Republic. It is a God-given right. It doesn’t come from government. It’s supposed to be protected by government. Not usurped, or nudged, or poked, or prodded from us.
So, while this is going on, there’s also the Obama Administration’s decree that any organization that receives government funding must provide free contraceptive options in their health care packages. Essentially, that’s been boiled down to Catholic-run entities paying for the programs, since they’re the ones revolting the loudest. However, it’s much more than that.
It’s yet another encroachment.
Sure, President Obama is now saying he’ll back off. He’s providing some alternative, trying to be reasonable, when the whole concept from beginning to end is unreasonable. If he actually does offer the choice. But that’s how they do it, too. False choices, false premises. Control the argument, control the masses.
Looks like the Catholic bishops are having no part of it. Lines are being drawn in the sand.
The answer is that we take responsibility for own selves, and then suffer the consequences. Pure and simple. It’s hard, yes, when innocents are in the mix. Government isn’t the end-all, though, and it never will be.
Getting back on the treadmill before I’m forced to eat my brussel sprouts.
