Recent studies by the US Department of Health make note of the rise in American obesity since the early ‘70’s. They also note that this was the time that high fructose corn syrup was introduced into soft drinks. Obviously, this is not the only factor leading to the epidemic rise of obesity among Americans. Yet, I find it to be one of several significant factors.

High fructose corn syrup is not a naturally occurring product. While it hasn’t been linked as a disease causing agent, it is interesting to note that it’s introduction has played at least a part in the rise of weight gain. There isn’t any research that clearly shows what it does. It is possible that the human body just doesn’t assimilate it in the same manner as cane sugar. Right now, we just don’t know. Maybe its effect isn’t different than any other type of sugar or maybe it is converted to fat within the human body at a rate far higher than other types of sugar. Right now we just don’t know.

You may say, "That’s fine. Obviously we need to do some more study and look at alternatives." That is a true and fair statement. However, there are other, seemingly unrelated facts, which must be looked at as well.

Most people are aware of the recent lawsuit, now dismissed, against McDonald’s. In the suit, several young women sued, claiming that McDonald’s had caused them to get fat. During the last Sundance Film Festival, a documentary entitled Supersize, was shown. It pointed to the health effects of eating McDonald’s food upon someone who wasn’t inured to the "benefits" of fast food. In a related story, McDonald’s has done away with supersizing and has introduced foods that are actually healthy. McDonald’s food is not the sole culprit. In fact, the entire fast food industry is based on supplying inexpensive food quickly. Unfortunately, this type of food is also high in fat, carbohydrates, salt and cholesterol. Why have these things occurred? I would posit the position that these are not unrelated facts but rather, point to a conspiracy within the halls of power in the United States of America.

What we are faced with is an epic plan that spans political party lines. The leadership of both the Democratic and Republican Party have collaborated in a plan that has spanned over 30 years and is just now starting to bear fruit. What is this plan? It is the systematic introduction and maintenance of a societal-wide lifestyle change. We now live in a time intellectually blunted and physically derailed. We are becoming a nation of non-thinking where obesity is becoming the norm rather than the exception. I feel that the implication of this plan is truly insidious. In short, the established political parties are attempting to make the American public fat, sluggish and lazy. In this manner dissent will be couch potatoes. As we become more lethargic we are not only losing the capacity for active, in the street dissent; but we are also losing the ability for concise critical thought. We are dumbing-down, intellectually drowning in a sea of fat and lethargically flowing blood. "Fortunately" we have the Democrats and Republicans to shoulder the awful burden of government and thinking for us.

If such a thing coming to pass frightens you as it does me; then now is the time to act. Eat healthy! Exercise! For the love of God, for the sake of our country…….vote Libertarian.