3 Thoughts on the 4th

Happy 4th of July!

1. Reflecting on the passing of Robert Byrd of West VA, I realize that after 50 years of pork production in his state, West VA now symbolizes what’s the worst show of Americans for obesity, poverty and stupidity. The 3 why’s. Question? Why have not the billions of dollars of government largess larded into his state not produced a better outcome?

2. Thinking about my Cool Whip and Rasberries on top of ice cream, the Eureka moment occurred - why we have obesity and type 2 diabetes epidemics in America ( 2 decades in the making). When the light, low fat, fat free, fit n’active craze blew across the nation, dieters and the health conscious consumed more fat free foods which also contained more sugar and corn syrup ( to reduce the fat calories). Eureka. More sugar, not less, more calories not less in an unnatural diet. An addiction to sweets can trigger type 2 diabetes many people. A habit of eating more calories can have the deleterious affect of weight gain.

3. Remembering it’s the 4th of July, a day to celebrate American freedom, the ability to make choices, I will disclose my effort to acknowledge tradition. All natural, all not light. Breakfast: pancakes, butter, maple syrup, pork patty and rasberries for a colorful topping. Lunch: Hot dogs on buns with ketchup, dill relish, mayonnaise and sweet chopped onions. Tea time: Black Walnut chocolate chip cookies with lemon and ginsing tea. Dinner: Foreman grilled beef burger with fresh sweet corn and asparagus spear. Dessert: Chocolate mint chip ice cream with cool whip and rasberries. TV movie treat time, a tortilla cheese and Italian spiced pizza with fresh basil. To drink? Don’t ask; just let your imagination run wild. After all, it’s the 4th of July, a day to celebrate my independence.