All Hail The Obamas!

Cynthia Papa of Fredericksburg says she wants to "recognize and credit the president, Michelle Obama, and the entire Obama administration for bringing recognition to the obesity epidemic." I guess Cynthia was one of the few people on the planet who didn't know, until Michelle told her, that being overweight wasn't good for you.

Cynthia encourages us to "look around, people." She wants us to see all the changes for which the Obamas are responsible in the food industry:

• Manufacturers are packaging in smaller portions now. Do you suppose that's a cost-cutting measure rather than a response to Michelle's edicts? Personally, I don't like paying for 1/2 gallon of ice cream but carrying home only 3 pints.
• Fast-food restaurants have expanded healthier choices. Again, do you suppose that's because there's a market for "healthier" food? I do find it amusing when I see someone order a "healthy" salad then drench it with 1/2 cup of dressing.
• The U.S. Government has re-established the food chart. In case you didn't know Cynthia, the food chart never went away. Michelle has just revamped it. It's still the same principle -- eat a variety of healthy foods including lots of whole grains, and limit sugars, starches, and fats. But since you didn't know obesity was not good for you until Michelle told you, I suppose you didn't know anything about nutrition, either.

Cynthia concludes that all this helps us live happier, healthier, more productive lives. Really, Cynthia, do you honestly think the guy who wants a bacon double cheeseburger will settle for a fruit plate of brown apple slices, sour grapes, and mushy bananas? Do you really think someone who's going to eat a pint of ice cream will limit himself just because the carton is smaller? Do you really think people are going to drag out the food chart before every meal? No, Cynthia, all this has done is cost us more money and fool gullible people like you into thinking skinny Michelle's Kool-Aid is a great drink.

Perhaps I'd credit the Obamas with a bit more sincerity on health issues if the President didn't have a cigarette habit. That's what we call "Gag at a gnat and swallow a Camel."


"Obamas lead on health issues." The Dallas Morning News; October 24, 2011; p. 10A.