“…Thompson dismissed the idea that preventative care and wellness education should be central features of a government’s health care system.”“I’m telling you, I don’t think that it’s the primary responsibility of the federal government to tell you what to eat,” Thompson said to applause when asked if his health care plan included any details on preventative care, a priority for Democratic candidates.
“The fact of the matter is we got an awful lot of knowledge,” said the former Tennesse senator. “Sometimes we don’t have a whole lot of will power, and I don’t know of any government program that’s going to instill that.” (CNN)
__________________________________________________________
This is ridiculous Thompson! Our health care costs and the country as a whole would be much better if we spent more on preventative care? What are you talking about?
Of course we can’t MAKE people eat better. But we should DEFINITELY inform people how to live a healthy life, and this ought to be part of school curriculum’s and it ought to be possibly enforced to an extent in public schooling. We’re already the most obese country in the world! How is this going to make anything better???
I think there is a more important issue here than the government educating people on healthy food choices or not. The main issue really should be is that the government’s job?
There is a huge mentality that exists today that sees the government as the provider of us from cradle to grave, and with that kind of mentality the question of national health care and food education is raised.
The issue with that mentality is that as the government starts taking responsibilities away from individuals, they also take freedoms from individuals. The responsible individual who makes informed choices doesn’t want big brother telling him what to eat and what to think, they simply want to be free to do what is right, and not be subject to whatever fad the politicians want to impose upon him (or what some special interest group wants to impose upon us thanks to some well placed campaign contributions).
The founding fathers of this country knew full well what happens when the government starts intruding on peoples lives (religious persecution, political persecution, imprisonment without due process, etc.)
So, informing people of what’s healthy to eat? Sure. Having this responsibility in the government’s hands? No thank you.
By: berencamlost on December 6, 2007
at 5:23 pm
I agree there is a line as to what the government should and should not be doing/taking responsibility for. However we must remember that government ought to be something that brings us together, not apart. We are all Americans with 1 vote.
The government can do good, and when giver then chance they ought to as long as it doesn’t cross the proverbial line that no one has been able to draw yet. Telling people what religious or political affiliation is crossing the line. Informing people about health issues and trying to serve healthy food when its in the governments power and authority (such as public school), is not crossing the line and should be encouraged.
“Big Brother” ought to be watched, but it shouldn’t be treated as if it has not ability for good or redemption.
By: Politics In Moderation on January 22, 2008
at 5:29 am
And sorry it took me so long to reply…
I’ve been really busy. But I promise to reply faster next time!
By: Politics In Moderation on January 22, 2008
at 5:29 am
[...] Thompson: Stop Food Discrimination! [...]
By: Jackson Jr. Wrong On Path to Universal Health Care. « Cuba RSVP’s Blog on December 22, 2008
at 10:10 pm