How does American history lead us to trans fats?
I teach American History. In eight grade we cover the stretch from the first settlements to World War I. Currently we are in the period between the Texas War of Independence and the Civil War. I am constantly on the lookout for repeating themes that resonate today. One of the issues that keeps coming up is the conflict between the expanding power of the central government and the liberty of the people. It hides under various titles: States rights, popular sovereignty, checks and balances and so forth.
If you watch you see this conflict played out in the greatly expanded federal power in the ability to tax. Bear in mind that until the early 20th century the government was funded mainly by tariffs. Look at your pay stub and recognize that the deductions listed did not exist in 1900.
Issues that have gone national are slavery, women’s suffrage, and the age of voters. All of these have had constitutional amendments.
Still in the courts and on the streets are abortion, marriage, drugs, guns, education and religion. Most of these conflicts are being pushed by elite judges and leftist politicians who are putting a noose around the liberty of the people to make choices and set standards.
The latest power grab is in our foods. Trans fats anyone?
We were established as a federal republic. We are becoming a feudal oligarchy. The change is slow and insidious. I hope the general population wakes up before it becomes time to water the tree of liberty with the blood of tyrants and martyrs. I didn’t make that up. The credit belongs to Thomas Jefferson.
Remember they have the best of intentions. They do it for your own good. It is just coincidence that it gives them more power.
homo unius libri
The sad thing is that there really are a FEW that honestly believe they're doing the right thing. As for transfats, my feelings are mixed, I believe in people being able to make INFORMED decisions (I'm for accurate, complete labeling.), but what if it was used motor oil, rather than deliberately altered fat, that they found that they could use. Should we still allow it, as long as they put it on the label?
ReplyDeleteIf people are informed then go for it. I am not compelled to eat at a restaurant that puts motor oil in their salsa nor am I forced to buy potato chips fried in Quaker State. I have a feeling though that they would not taste as good as transfats. Maybe better than Brussels sprouts. Definitely better than liver.
DeleteGrace and peace.