My Turn/Alan Harris: Why can’t GOP see connection between health care and a healthy nation? – The Recorder
The current governments philosophy that its not its job to create an even playing field for health care recipients is at the core of why Republican policies remain the most punitive and regressive of any policies in the civilized world.
Even countries with autocratic leaders realize that health care must be engineered to protect the citizens, and thus, even sustaining the rule of those leaders. Of course, this is not universally the case, and much coverage is not sufficient. But in the U.S., that citizens would allow this condition to fester and exist is beyond my furthest imagination, voting against your own best interests. America yet again shows why its brand of democracy is vulnerable in the extreme to simply awful ideas just like anywhere else.
Creating a system where good health care coverage is strictly a choice if you can afford it, is insane. When you look at the obesity problem in this country and the problems with mass food production and nutritional levels found, especially in processed foods, you realize that the problem is endemic and pervasive regardless of the organic foods movement and much better information on proper diet. That movement has created a much better understanding of the relationship between diet and long term health. However, most of the country cant be bothered. Thats unfortunate.
I have long been a champion of good health and proper eating, beginning with my sojourn in Paris in the late 1960s. Escaping the American diet I grew up with was seismic. France seemed much more primitive in its lack then of large supermarkets, but the local corner bucherie (beef, veal), charcouterie (pork) or the marches aux legumes (vegetables), taught me to appreciate and understand what respect for food was all about. What better education than in France? But why pay attention to better information elsewhere, or even competent information right here, when our appetites for instant gratification steer us easily off course. The pharmaceutical industry is making a killing off our bad eating habits. The health care industry has mushroomed in recent decades simply due to bad lifestyle choices.
I am 74 years old, 6-foot, 2and weigh 185 pounds. Ive suffered one heart attack and that was about four years ago. I exercise three or more times per week including swimming, walking, weights, and now kayaking. I eat a diet thats well rounded and fairly simple. I like whole grains in any form, fresh vegetables galore, seafood of any size and variety, sea vegetables, any fruit grown. As a chef for 40 years, my favorite origins for recipes were France, Japan, Indonesia, America, Italy, Morocco, the Middle East, Mexico, and very much the Caribbean with its mix of Indian, French Creole, Spanish, and Asian as well.
In the U.S., theres a new fad diet in the pipeline constantly, it seems. If we are to be proper consumers, we need new ideas to consume, whether they help us or not. Its big business. The president likes fast food apparently. That may account for the fact he cannot assess reality as it needs to be assessed. It might be tempting to bandage up the great dysfunction in Washington with the idea that diet has contributed to this dysfunction. A proper study needs to be done.
No one needs better nutrition than our congressmen and senators if they are to have the neurons firing on all six. Looking at the current historical model, I might safely wager that a lot of diets are sketchy, unbalanced, on the fly, interrupted, and very likely badly prepared. This is not meant to be a broad generalization, but lets look at the state of affairs. I would concur that many times amazing results have been produced under sketchy conditions with judgment in the balance. But whenever Im under duress, correct eating is my priority.
Europe takes care of its populations with mostly universal health care as a right. Here it is a viewed as a privilege. Even Obamacare has to defer to private practice and special interests. If Republicans have their bill passed, coverage will be seriously reduced. The current idea of a pooled resource of funds to spread out the coverage more equitably will be eliminated. The very wealthy will get billions in tax breaks in the range of $37,200 a year, while the average wage earner gets $300. The Congressional Budget Office report predicts a 45 percent reduction in health care spending by 2026. Trumps bill cuts $610 billion from Medicaid and $839 billion from health care coverage resulting in 23 million Americans losing coverage. Then theres the $64 billion cuts for Social Security Disability insurance. Cue up Sicko, the film by Michael Moore.
So much money is spent in the country on bad food. I say that unequivocally. Yet were a free market system with regulations on food under attack. Were in an era where all the sensible laws and regulations regarding most life in general are under siege by this administration and its dismantlers of the so-called Administrative State. No sensible European country would allow such destructive legislation. Food and health are so inextricably entwined. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price offers the very worst in health and human services ideas, and the agriculture secretary post remains in limbo. But we know the winners. And their actions will exclusively benefit agri-business, and big corporations at the expense of our nations health.
Remember President Kennedys physical fitness programs in the 1960s? Remember Michelle Obamas crusade for proper school lunches? Look at our new Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. Now theres an advocate for improving food in our local schools. Not! Shes too busy dismantling public education. Schools do have some local autonomy, but as budgets get hammered even further, and schools have to drop programs and courses, lunches continue to suffer nationwide. Kudos to the schools that chart their own course and know that proper nutrition is a key to learning. When they partner with local growers, the whole community gains and prospers.
Face it. Were not in the shape we should be in when diabetes is the seventh biggest killer in the U.S.
We allow a charlatan to become president of the free world. We take away or greatly reduce funding for all the essential programs, safeguards that make life possible for the average American.
We witness a concatenation of disclosures pointing to improper actions by the administration. Alas. Its a circus without a tent. We have only each other to hold onto, hold tight to the shore as the stream careens over the falls.
A playwright, Harris has been a well-known chef for 40 years in Franklin County. He lives in Shelburne Falls.
Visit link:
My Turn/Alan Harris: Why can't GOP see connection between health care and a healthy nation? - The Recorder
- Gluten: What You Dont Know Might Kill You [Last Updated On: May 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 6th, 2011]
- How to lose weight fast diet: best ways quick easy healthy [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2011]
- Nutrition Tips for Healthy Living : How to Do a 30-Day Wedding Diet [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2011]
- Raw Food Dog.MOV [Last Updated On: May 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 10th, 2011]
- Boxing Workouts for Kids : Teaching Kids How to Use Punching Bags [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2011]
- Boxing Workouts for Kids : Teaching Kids about Angling in Boxing [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- 500 Calorie Diet- Safely Use a 500 Calorie Diet [Last Updated On: July 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 25th, 2011]
- Cholesterol Healthy Diet : How to Safely Raise HDL Cholesterol [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2011]
- Healthy Eating Guidelines : How to Use Diet Pills Safely [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2011]
- Lose Up To 10 Pounds Quick and Safe: Hollywood 48-Hour Miracle Diet [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- How To Lose 5 kgs In A Week Safely with this diet program? [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2011]
- The Diet Solution Weight Loss Program-How To Lose Weight Fast And Easily And Safely.flv [Last Updated On: September 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 13th, 2011]
- Diet Tips - Lose Weight Safely - The Lunch Box Diet [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2011]
- Whole Foods Installs Eco-Safe Ozonated Water Sanitization Technology [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2011]
- 29 Fad Diets You Should Avoid [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight Safely | The Diet Solution Program [Last Updated On: September 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 17th, 2011]
- Doctors Quick Weight Loss Sarasota - the hCG Diet for fast, easy, safe weight loss [Last Updated On: September 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 17th, 2011]
- The Diet Solution Meal Plans For Diet - Do Carbs make you Fat? [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2011]
- The Diet Solution Program Best Foods For Diet - Protein Burn Fat [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- LSD Gave Me My Ego - Safe use of drugs in Spiritual Practice [Last Updated On: September 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 26th, 2011]
- Diet [Last Updated On: September 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 26th, 2011]
- The Diet Solution Best Foods For Diet - Truth About Sat Fats [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2011]
- Is it safe to purchase HCG online? I see lots of ads offering HCG at real low prices. [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2011]
- Cheating safely on your diet-Cruisin' in my 64 Galaxie [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2011]
- Miss Universe Introduces Coffee Slender [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2011]
- Coffee Slender with Miss Universe Part 1 [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- HCG Diet - 30 Day Weight Loss Program - Lose 30 Pounds Safely w/o Injections - Fast Weight Loss Plan [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Improve Your Health : How to Cleanse the Body of Toxins Through Diet [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- The UltraSimple Diet: Kick-Start Your Metabolism and Safely [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Utah HCG - Can't I lose weight without using HCG diet drops? [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Is the hCG Diet Safe and How Does it Affect You? [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- "Food Allergies and Autism" Real Look Autism [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Heartburn, Reflux, Diet [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- The Diet Solution Program - How To Lose Weight On A Diet [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- The Diet Solution Program - What Diet Is The Best For Sexy New Body [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- High Protein Bodybuilding Breakfast [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- 17 Day Diet - Reviews, Book, Plan, Recipes [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- The Diet Solution Program Review | The Diet Solution Program [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Kleen-Safe™ Touchless Cleaning System [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Weight loss diet tips from the best diet plan for women and men [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Diane's hCG Diet VLOG -- I'm on P3 and am okay with it! The real HCG diet [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Radical Healing with Plant Foods - Teaser [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2011]
- The Diet Solution Program Insight Into How To Lose Weight On A Diet - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- Safe and Effective Diet Pill - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- Utah HCG - Why a 500 calorie diet with the hcg diet drops? - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- The Dangers of Aspartame (Artificial Sweeteners Sugarfree Diet Coke Zero No Sugar Added E951) - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- Boxing Workouts for Kids : Teaching Kids how to Diet Safely in Boxing - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Before and After Pictures! Very Inspirational! - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- Coffee Slender with Miss Universe Part 2 - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- WEIGHT LOSS MADE EASY FLAT TUMMY DIET - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- How do you know the raw food diet works? - Video [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2011]
- Raw Milk and Raw Eggs - Can You Safely Eat Them? - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Safely Build Fitness Exercise Activity - Video [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2011]
- Best diet to lose weight, lose weight and keep it off, fast easy weight loss - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2011]
- Losing Weight Quickly Safely and Permanently-Top Diet. - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2011]
- The Diet Solution Program and Counting Calories - Video [Last Updated On: November 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 9th, 2011]
- The Diet Solution Program and Tomatoes - Video [Last Updated On: November 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 9th, 2011]
- The Diet Solution Program And The Best Fat Burning Workout - Video [Last Updated On: November 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 15th, 2011]
- African Mango Weight Loss - Video [Last Updated On: November 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 15th, 2011]
- Could A Fast Diet Program In Fact Allow You To Reduce Weight Safely? - Video [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2011]
- hCG diet drops miracle - Video [Last Updated On: December 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 1st, 2011]
- How To Cut a Pineapple Safe Swift Easy AND Instant Lunch - Video [Last Updated On: December 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 3rd, 2011]
- Ben Pakulski's MI40 Workout [Last Updated On: December 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 3rd, 2011]
- Better Without - Gluten-free dining out - Video [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2011]
- The Diet Solution Program And Cooking Oils - Video [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2011]
- Body Cleanse - What to Expect on a Cleanse - Video [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2011]
- Zhen De Shou Diet Pills - Official Source Worldwide - See testimonials, reviews and promotions - Video [Last Updated On: December 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 20th, 2011]
- Diet for GERD: Foods to Avoid with GERD - Video [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2012]
- Obesity Before [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2012]
- Raw Food Vegan bananas only diet! - Video [Last Updated On: January 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 16th, 2012]
- Diet for GERD: Foods to Eat with GERD - Video [Last Updated On: January 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 16th, 2012]
- Mitt Romney nears Florida win with cash, a steady hand [Last Updated On: January 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 31st, 2012]
- ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Inc. to Present at the Leerink Swann 2012 Global Healthcare Conference [Last Updated On: February 1st, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 1st, 2012]
- Yalecrest residents wary of Sunnyside lane-reduction plan [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2012]
- Diet Pills For Weight Loss? - Video [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2012]
- Orexigen Therapeutics Shares Flat After Firm Says Diet Drug Safe for Approval - Video [Last Updated On: February 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 3rd, 2012]
- Mark Hyman, MD: 10 Rules to Eat Safely for Life (and What to Remove From Your Kitchen) [Last Updated On: February 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 5th, 2012]
- NextAdvisor.com Reviews Cloud Storage Services [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- From ‘Ketosis’ to ‘quota’ [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2012]