Personal Accountability

The other day driving to work I heard about a proposal by some politician for a moratorium on building new fast food restaurants in her city. Her claim was that there were too many junk food restaurants and not enough healthy choices like family diners. She believes that this is causing Americans (at least in her city) to become obese. Never mind that the radio host pointed out that many fast food chains also offer healthy alternatives. Although she might mean well, I think she has it all wrong.

Perhaps there are lots of fast food restaurants because that's what people want. Even if they don't "want" many fast food restaurants, they are obviously supporting the chains with their dollars. Otherwise, the fast food restaurants wouldn't survive. We don't need more government rules and regulations to limit our choices. Will we still be able to call this a free country if we need government to make such simple decisions for us?

What people need is more education. Instead of creating more restrictions, government can launch marketing campaigns to teach people about food choices and their consequences. "These types of foods are good for you. Here's how to read the nutritional information label. Eat junk food and this is what happens to your health." This is not a new solution, but look at the amount of advertising the junk food companies do compared to "eat healthy food" marketing. Any additional exposure would help. Armed with knowledge, people can make their own decisions or pay the price. We need more personal accountability. Let's stop blaming others and try to be responsible for our own actions.

And in this fast paced nation, perhaps we need more free time. Take a breath from time to time. Work will be there when we return. Life, on the other hand, won't wait.