No new fast food in PG County
even if the food takes a really long time to eat
Concerns over the slide of the United States into a "nanny state" have increased during the current administration, and they have become even more evident with a recent bill introduced in the Maryland State Legislature. The bill, sponsored by State Senator David Harrington (D-Prince George's County) and supported by community activists in PG County, aims to curb the number of fast-food restaurants in PG County.
Supporters of the bill state that there is an "epidemic" of obesity and coronary artery disease, and that the epidemic is being fueled by the availability of cheap fast-food in poorer neighborhoods. Without outwardly saying it, the contention is that people cannot make a decision on their own and that the State needs to help them choose the right foods. They contend that fast-food is readily available and cheap, but it is of poor quality and very high in fat.
His parents will only listen to the government, maybe
The government (at all levels) has leaned on the General Welfare clause of the United States Constitution to impose on the people living in the country all sorts of interesting laws. Some laws make sense; second-hand smoke is dangerous to people who are not making a choice to smoke. Others are making the State (the government) seem more and more like a nanny to the public, where the State and only the State know what is right to consume.
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Government approval for this pizza will likely not be given
Rather than educating the consumer (the public), someone in Annapolis (or Baltimore) will have the power to determine what consumers will have access to. This makes sense when there is a clear and present danger to Public Health (like when toys from China have lead or other heavy metals in them). But does it make sense in this debate? Does the Senator believe that people in his constituency will not understand if he or any other knowledgeable person tells them that deep-fried food is bad for them in the absence of vegetables, fruits, fiber, and exercise?
Don't expect this to be the end of this issue... The restaurant associations, employee unions, voters, and politicians will all have something to say.
Comments
Why does the government think it can save us from ourselves?
If people expect us to treat their heart disease, diabetes and bad joints from being obese, and they want to live forever, then we should be able to help them make better food choices. However, until we supplement healthy food (i.e. make it cheaper) people of all socio-economic classes will continue to frequent McD's over the produce stand. When was the last time you saw a grocery store in a "bad" area of town?
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