Impact of Government Laws on Obesity in the United States
We the people of the United States have a problem in our midst, Obesity. While most recognize the importance to stop it, few can agree on a viable method to fight it. It is a problem, no doubt, but it is a problem that lies within every single american. That being said, only people themselves can do something about it, the government can’t simply pass a few laws and put an end to this epidemic. It is not the government’s job to keep people healthy, the U.S. is a democratic Republic and if it intends to stay that way, government will stay within its boundaries, and out of the personal lives of the citizens who consider themselves free.
I admire Michelle Obama for choosing obesity as her cause, it is extremely important. Changing the look of the food pyramid and creating “My plate” is all well and good, but forcing Americans to eat off that plate is not. Creating laws to dictate what Americans can eat is not something one governing body can do. The intention of the laws is honorable, but the execution of a solution is one of a dictatorship. What the government should be doing is suggesting healthier lifestyles, showing the benefits of that, and offering optional programs to those who chose to partake in them. Perhaps creating incentive programs to those who follow steps to a healthier lifestyle. Then, Americans feel as if they chose to get healthier themselves instead of being dictated to do so. Many people respond better to positive reinforcements, such as an incentive program, instead of negative reinforcements, like taking away the cups sizes they drink from, or the salt they use to add that bit of taste to their favorite food.
In “Myth’s, lies and complete stupidity,” John Stossel sits down with representative Felix Ortiz and brings up that eating what you want to is part of freedom. Felix recognizes that yes you can have the freedom, but when it comes down to the health care cost, the government has to do something about it. All of these laws seem a bit
I admire Michelle Obama for choosing obesity as her cause, it is extremely important. Changing the look of the food pyramid and creating “My plate” is all well and good, but forcing Americans to eat off that plate is not. Creating laws to dictate what Americans can eat is not something one governing body can do. The intention of the laws is honorable, but the execution of a solution is one of a dictatorship. What the government should be doing is suggesting healthier lifestyles, showing the benefits of that, and offering optional programs to those who chose to partake in them. Perhaps creating incentive programs to those who follow steps to a healthier lifestyle. Then, Americans feel as if they chose to get healthier themselves instead of being dictated to do so. Many people respond better to positive reinforcements, such as an incentive program, instead of negative reinforcements, like taking away the cups sizes they drink from, or the salt they use to add that bit of taste to their favorite food.
In “Myth’s, lies and complete stupidity,” John Stossel sits down with representative Felix Ortiz and brings up that eating what you want to is part of freedom. Felix recognizes that yes you can have the freedom, but when it comes down to the health care cost, the government has to do something about it. All of these laws seem a bit