The Politics of Public Health

by Laura McKenna

Thanks to Michelle Obama and Jamie Oliver, everybody is talking about obese children and what government can be doing differently. Fatty school lunches, the need for exercise programs, the possibility of a soda tax, and the creation of food awareness classes are all on the table The discussion has gone beyond fat kids to talking about fat adults.

Even as the discussion of the obesity epidemic has picked up, KFC has introduced a new sandwich, the Double Down -- two Original Recipe fillets, Swiss and pepper jack cheese, Colonel sauce, and bacon. Still, it may not be as horrible for you as other fast food sandwiches. Nate Silver runs the numbers.

Libertarians are generally suspicious of all public policy, because they reject the notion that government can make a positive impact on people's lives. The less government, the better. When government gets involved in people's lives, the outcome is usually expensive and results in unexpected outcomes. Welfare creates dependency, for example.

Libertarians especially hate governmental programs that push people to change their behavior regarding their health. For all but a radical fringe, they accept mandatory vaccinations for kids, but they aren't enthusiastic about other programs, which restrict a person's individual freedom to kill himself. I have a Big Mac, and I'm going to eat it. Efforts to reduce smoking and the availability to fast food is beyond the scope of government. They say that when government wades into these matters, it becomes a "nanny state" and adults should be able to make their own decisions about the Big Mac v. Tofu.

Liberals, on the other hand, say that obesity is expensive. Obesity-related diseases cost the public billions of dollars in healthcare costs. People don't really have the choice of a Big Mac v. Tofu, because tofu isn't available to most people and they don't know how to cook it. The Big Mac is cheaper than a good salad. The current system is rigged to make the Big Mac the most popular option and that isn't fair. Let's give people some real choices and, thus, increase their freedoms.

Liberals also say that children can't make the same choices as adults. They need guidance. If the parents and the community can't provide them with better options, then government must step in to help out. It's immoral to allow this generation of children to fill themselves up on Slurpies and candy bars. They believe that government can do better.

Which side do you agree with, the liberals or the libertarians? Do you think that government can create laws to make us healthier? Do you believe that laws governing our behavior are an infringement on our liberties?

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i mean i sort of agree with the liberal children do need guidance in what they eat so they can stay healthy and live a good life . Im not if the government should make laws on what we can or cannot eat its does interfer with our rights. The ways i see it healthy food is expensive!!! fresh products at the grocery stor is rediculous i think if they evaluated prices in grocery stores ppl would be able to afford healthy choices than running thru MCD's and buying a meal for $ 4

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