The united States kills thousands of kids through negligent behavior

[maluckey]

Government to blame for thousands of deaths

Obesity is a big contributor to Type II diabetes. Obesity is a huge problem (pun intended). Type II diabetes (often linked to obesity and poor diet) is now seen in children as young as age three. The health care costs related to obesity and diabetes are staggering. You coul give every illegal a 35000 per year job and not cover the cost of obesity in lost profits from employers, public health burden and the mortality rate associated with this.

What's going on here??

 

[zendari]

This is one major reason to be against government healthcare. What's going on is that people are lazy fvcks who can't take care of themself. Disgusting pigs.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Why blame the government. If there was not food that would be a problem. If there is food and the parents are not providing the balanced nutrition, that is the fault of the parents.

Why should the government be looked at to solve problems of irresponsible parents?

 

[abj13]

Originally posted by: EagleKeeper

Why should the government be looked at to solve problems of irresponsible parents?

So children's development should be dependent on the competence of their parents? Every child should have equal opportunity to be productive in their lifetime. Children should never be solely dependent on the "morals" or "intelligence" of their parents.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: abj13

Originally posted by: EagleKeeper

Why should the government be looked at to solve problems of irresponsible parents?

So children's development should be dependent on the competence of their parents? Every child should have equal opportunity to be productive in their lifetime. Children should never be solely dependent on the "morals" or "intelligence" of their parents.

Then either take the children away from parents that can not be parents or force a madatory population control program on irresponsible parents.

Children should not have to suffer for the sins of the parents; however, society should not have to continue to take care of the parent responsibility.

Exercise , removal of electronic baby-sitters plus removal of junk food will solve most problems.

Which of the areas should the government stick their fingers into and enforce?

Exercise is already done usually at school.
Maybe allow the schools equipment for be available (if not already) for after school programs and free-use.
Ensure that there is a set percentage of exercise equipment at parks based on polulation.

How many people actually want to give up their TVs, PC and games.
A parent can easily either remove such items, put locks on the power outlet and/or supervise the use if they choose to.

Nutrition is the big problem.
Remove all junk food/soda from government facilites where children congregate.
Impose a high tax on the same items that are not nutritious.
However, look at what happens with cigs. Kids get around it, sometimes with the parent blessing.
And people will complain that it affects those that do not have children.

It boils down to education of the parent/child and acceptance of parental responsiblity.
How should you punish the parents if they fail? That is the key.

 

[piasabird]

I was never forced to eat french fries.

So what you are saying is that you want the US Govt to close all fast food places or what?

 

[maluckey]

I'm not so extreme as Eagle Keeper, but I too think that junk foods have zero place in schools and govt. sponsored programs of any sort. They have questionable nutrition, and obvious health related issues when taken to any quantity or frequency.

Parents should wake up and take responsibility for what they and their kids eat. Just because it tastes good, and makes you and/or your kids happy is certainly not an indicator of nutrition or parenting skill.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: maluckey
I'm not so extreme as Eagle Keeper, but I too think that junk foods have zero place in schools and govt. sponsored programs of any sort. They have questionable nutrition, and obvious health related issues when taken to any quantity or frequency.

Parents should wake up and take responsibility for what they and their kids eat. Just because it tastes good, and makes you and/or your kids happy is certainly not an indicator of nutrition or parenting skill.

My first comment/statement in my post above

Then either take the children away from parents that can not be parents or force a madatory population control program on irresponsible parents.

was somewhat sarcasm, however, contains common sense in it. Society can not continue to allow irresponsible parents to create burdens on itself and/or expect the government to handle their mistakes continually.

Originally posted by: piasabird
I was never forced to eat french fries.

So what you are saying is that you want the US Govt to close all fast food places or what?

Society needs to determine if the benifits of closing all fast food/unhealthy food access points is worth the headaches.

One could just impose a healthy tax to cover the cost of government services incurred becausey the fast food outlets may be contributing to the problem. Those funds could go to programs to educate parents and children on the problem and/or supply exercise equipment to public facilities.

If the tax is made visible, and the public in large feels that they are subsidizing the correction of the problem, they may then react. However, regretfully the majority of targets will be the children and not the irresponsible parents.

The government can easily force all unhealthy food and drinks to be pulled from any public facility; not just where children are. Children may the primary concern, but why assist adults in having a problem?

Treat this junk like cigs; one must be of age to purchase such items and allow fines of anyone selling to minors. It wold be nice to also punish anyone that "provides" commercial junk to minors, but that will not fly.

 

[maluckey]

Yeah, I've written various senators and congressmen about a "junk food tax" to offset increased health care costs attributed to junk diets. I also feel tha alcoholic beverages should be taxed more, despite my own unabashed love of a cool one now and then.

Many people are less than honest to themselves, having the 'it won't happen to me" syndrome. The damage is cumulative, and quite slow in coming from junk food. Mental illnessn (mainly depression related to low self image and inactivity), obesity, diabetes alcoholism and a myriad of others proves that a "nanny tax" is necessary to curb the costs associated with this. If you the average citizen (now close to 65 percent of you are overweight) won't take responsibility for yourself, the government should at least protect it's own welfare.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: maluckey
Yeah, I've written various senators and congressmen about a "junk food tax" to offset increased health care costs attributed to junk diets. I also feel tha alcoholic beverages should be taxed more, despite my own unabashed love of a cool one now and then.

Many people are less than honest to themselves, having the 'it won't happen to me" syndrome. The damage is cumulative, and quite slow in coming from junk food. Mental illnessn (mainly depression related to low self image and inactivity), obesity, diabetes alcoholism and a myriad of others proves that a "nanny tax" is necessary to curb the costs associated with this. If you the average citizen (now close to 65 percent of you are overweight) won't take responsibility for yourself, the government should at least protect it's own welfare.

Why not impose a tax of 100% the retail price of all items classified as junk/unhealthy.

 

[mc00]

Originally posted by: EagleKeeper
Why blame the government. If there was not food that would be a problem. If there is food and the parents are not providing the balanced nutrition, that is the fault of the parents.

Why should the government be looked at to solve problems of irresponsible parents?

And this why I took matters to my own hands because most people like him blame the parents because their child has Obesity... Well I agree 50% of parents having some fault but its very hard to raise a child these days... I have a 2 year old daughter and she is prohibit to eat mcdonald,soda,limit the candy,chips and all other type of junk food... because I watch other kid on the street when I see there parent telling them "no, you can't have mcdonald" they start rolling on the floor crying there a$$es out because they didn't get what they want, top it off TV is major contribution of junk food to kid through ads, even that we have prohibit in my house my daughter is only allow to watch tv for an 1hr or so unless we are around to tell her what you see on tv is cr@p or not. there is junk food all of the place in new york city and within some school, so is very hard to keep nutrition balance these day for our child...while companies are brain watching our kids through ads on the street and tv's tell daddy or mama to buy mcdonald because taste so good... and they rather eat mcdonad or there favorite junk food instead of home cook meal and I have seen this happend within my own family they don't want to eat home cook meal instead they want to eat french fries or burger etc...

 

[Train]

Originally posted by: EagleKeeper
Why not impose a tax of 100% the retail price of all items classified as junk/unhealthy.

Why not just toss freedom as we know it out the window? I dont want the govt taxing/controlling my choices in food. I can understand taxing cigs and beer, but food? c'mon this has gone too far. If your fat because you eat too much McD's, thats your own problem, I happen to like the occasional Big Mac with giant sized Coke and Fries. But I also run 10-15 miles a day, lift weights, swim, and train in martial arts 3 times a week. I'm perfectly healthy because I can control myself, I can go out and eat whatever I want. But I probably watch less TV in a week than most Americans do in a day. I don't want to pay for all the lazy people out there with thier incredible medical bills. Other than regular checkups my healthcare hasnt cost a dime in over 5 years, I NEVER EVER get sick, maybe because I take care of myself. If healtcare goes national, Uncle Sam better drop a $50 check in my lap every time I hit the gym, cuz thats about how much money I'm saving him in future medical bills.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: Train

Originally posted by: EagleKeeper
Why not impose a tax of 100% the retail price of all items classified as junk/unhealthy.

Why not just toss freedom as we know it out the window? I dont want the govt taxing/controlling my choices in food. I can understand taxing cigs and beer, but food? c'mon this has gone too far. If your fat because you eat too much McD's, thats your own problem, I happen to like the occasional Big Mac with giant sized Coke and Fries. But I also run 10-15 miles a day, lift weights, swim, and train in martial arts 3 times a week. I'm perfectly healthy because I can control myself, I can go out and eat whatever I want. But I probably watch less TV in a week than most Americans do in a day. I don't want to pay for all the lazy people out there with thier incredible medical bills. Other than regular checkups my healthcare hasnt cost a dime in over 5 years, I NEVER EVER get sick, maybe because I take care of myself. If healtcare goes national, Uncle Sam better drop a $50 check in my lap every time I hit the gym, cuz thats about how much money I'm saving him in future medical bills.

The problem comes into play (area bolded) is thatthere is a cost to society that junk food creates just like booze and cigs.

If/what should the government do about it to reduce the end impact on society.
That is the base question.

A food tax is probably stupid, however, if the society is going to be impacted financially, can anything be done to mitigate it and how?

The banning of junk in public places is a good start and at the school level where control exists, increase the physical fitness requirements/edcuation/participation from elementary school through college. (anywhere that any type of public funding/assistance exists)

The above will not cost anything and has some benefits.

 

[Mik3y]

most people who get fat or are obese can either be blamed by their parents or themselves. its called irresponsibility. people dont get fat for no reason. for example, suing mcdonalds for getting you fat is the stupidest thing in the world. 1st off, you're a dumbass if you dont think its fattening. 2nd, you paid for it. 3rd, you at it. 4th, you eat more and more of it until you get yourself fat. next thing you know it, people will sue salad dressing companies for making a "healthy" meal become an artery clogger. even salads are anything close to healthy with the amounts of dressing people put on them. i do agree that the gov should quit marketing food the way they do to young people, but 90% of obesity and such is about irresponsibility.

 

[ExpertNovice]

Originally posted by: maluckey
Government to blame for thousands of deaths

Obesity is a big contributor to Type II diabetes. Obesity is a huge problem (pun intended). Type II diabetes (often linked to obesity and poor diet) is now seen in children as young as age three. The health care costs related to obesity and diabetes are staggering. You coul give every illegal a 35000 per year job and not cover the cost of obesity in lost profits from employers, public health burden and the mortality rate associated with this.

What's going on here??

Hopefully you don't want the Hillary health plan which would take all children away from their parents so they could be raised by the village.

 

[maluckey]

I just want some relief from the medical bills soaking me. I haven't so much as caught a cold in over 15 years, yet my health care bills are soring. I don't smoke, seldom drink, and I do play roller hockey, mountain bike, and scored 285 on my last APFT (an Army fitness test where 300 point is maximum). The irresponsible people that eat themselves to sickness are a drain on the system. Why not have them (and everyone else) pay more for the very things that kill them?

 

[EatSpam]

Originally posted by: piasabird
I was never forced to eat french fries.

So what you are saying is that you want the US Govt to close all fast food places or what?

Actually, I'd like that very much. McDonalds is nasty.

 

[jonjonsanfru]

One more vote for parent responsibility... wah, my parents aren't the smartest so the government should cater to my every need. Ok, your parents are being negligent and you want government care? Welcome to the Orphanage and Foster parent care.

Sorry you can't have it both ways... why not /wah? Because the government is not going to customize a health plan for every single individual child's needs, its either live with your folks then get the hell out of there when you're old enough... or call child services and take your chances on the roulette wheel. Has anyone ever read recipe books from the 50s 60s 70s? Talk about unhealthy, i WISH they still cooked with straight lard... but the caveat is that they spent more time being active.

You all must be so lucky to come from such caring warm healthy homes that you can feel SO much pity for any child who has a soda and a bag of chips in the house... /gag. I ate cafeteria food, i ate junk feed... scratch that, I EAT cafeteria food I EAT junk food... just not every day, AND i run 4km up and down 1800m of elevation every day.

The government's job should only be to educate parents and children on moderation, exercise, and proper hygiene. I feel the government already does this in spades... if people chose not to listen, thats their grave they are digging. BUT BUT BUT what about the healthcare dilema... you can only hope that people see the error of their ways, or this generation of fat slobs dies without passing on their horrible habits. We can't FORCE kids to exercise. BUT BUT BUT what about Fast Saturated Fat foods being the only thing low income families can afford... no that is NOT all they can afford, its just cheap and easy to get and it tastes really really fvcking good. If they instead budgeted their money, ate less, and spent time cooking healthy meals it wouldn't be a problem. Plus turned off the TV and signed their kids of for some sports. Hell tell the kid to run around the block a few times, exercise is FREE.

I've done the poor college man's routine, I know what its like to live on the bare minimum. I maintained my HS weight +/- 10 lbs, ate chicken brocoli and rice every day for 2 years... BUT BUT BUT there's no variety, no... there's not, but i didn't go hungry and i stayed pretty fit. Quit bitching that schools add some much needed revenue by putting soda and snack machines in their buildings, quit whining that the food isn't the MOST nutritious (if they could serve the same healthly slop everyday without getting every whiny parent bitching that their kids hate eating the same thing at school everyday, they would). You want to bitch at someone? Head on down to Procter and Gamble, General Mills, Kellog, Nestle and yell at THEM for making delicious unhealthy snacks... jeebus, "no i don't want govt control or intervention... unless it fits MY personal agenda and morals." /sarcasm /end rant.

 

[zendari]

Originally posted by: Train

Originally posted by: EagleKeeper
Why not impose a tax of 100% the retail price of all items classified as junk/unhealthy.

Why not just toss freedom as we know it out the window? I dont want the govt taxing/controlling my choices in food. I can understand taxing cigs and beer, but food? c'mon this has gone too far. If your fat because you eat too much McD's, thats your own problem, I happen to like the occasional Big Mac with giant sized Coke and Fries. But I also run 10-15 miles a day, lift weights, swim, and train in martial arts 3 times a week. I'm perfectly healthy because I can control myself, I can go out and eat whatever I want. But I probably watch less TV in a week than most Americans do in a day. I don't want to pay for all the lazy people out there with thier incredible medical bills. Other than regular checkups my healthcare hasnt cost a dime in over 5 years, I NEVER EVER get sick, maybe because I take care of myself. If healtcare goes national, Uncle Sam better drop a $50 check in my lap every time I hit the gym, cuz thats about how much money I'm saving him in future medical bills.

If you don't eat at McD's much it won't be a big deal. I like the idea of a fastfood tax; at least its the fatties paying for it and not us.