Letter: Obesity isn’t taken seriously

Friday, Dec. 28, 2001 | 9:13 a.m.

We were all greatly shocked, saddened, then angered by the loss of more than 3,000 innocent lives on Sept. 11. Our government has taken drastic steps to prevent a recurrence of such tragedy.

Then, on Dec. 13, U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher announced that a hundred times that many Americans die each year of diseases caused or aggravated by obesity, a self-inflicted, totally preventable tragedy. More than 61 percent of adults and 14 percent of children are affected. He estimated the annual cost to our nation at $117 billion.

Yet our government is not mobilizing the National Guard at fast food restaurants. It is not detaining hundreds of meat and dairy distributors for secret interrogation. It is not suggesting military tribunals for officials of the meat and dairy industries.

Instead, Congress votes additional subsidies for meat and dairy agribusiness. USDA dumps meat and dairy surpluses on school children. Government medical programs treat victims of obesity at taxpayer expense, without seeing redress from the perpetrators.

As free Americans, we don't have to suffer from our government's myopic perspective.

At the onset of the New Year, let us resolve to replace meat, dairy, and other fatty foods in our diet with wholesome grains, vegetables, and fruits. Let us insist that our schools offer wholesome meals and nutrition education curricula. Let us reclaim our health and get a new lease on life.

DEBBIE DILL