The Goverment Needs a Diet

    The Founding Fathers gave the United States government many responsibilities.  However, health issues are not part of government functions.  The Government should not command the American people to follow their position on dietary and medical advise.
  The Nixon administration demonstrated that the government is not capable of taking care of Americans health needs.  In 1971 under President Nixon’s desire, Congress passed the National Cancer Act, which led to the war on Cancer.  Ned Rice points out that “In 1975, 19.2 percent of all U.S. deaths were from cancer. In 2002, 22.8 percent of all U.S.”   After billions of dollars spent on research that did not succeed, Ned Rice concludes that, “It’s time to face the fact that the war on cancer is over, and that cancer has won.”  At least, this example shows that the government has not always been successful in its efforts of keeping the American people safe. The failure of war on cancer verifies that the government cannot efficiently or effectively control health problems. 

    
    From the early 1900’s, the government has tried to tell the American people what is healthiest foods for them.  However, their dietary advise changes frequently.  About twenty years ago the USDA produced the food pyramid which suggested that carbohydrates should compromise the majority of an American’s diet.  This year the USDA came out with “The plate and the moon” which is supposed to replace food triangle. The latest food plan (above) shows a greater balance of food types than the earlier carbohydrate heavy pyramid.  In just two decades, the food plan administered by the government has changed dramatically.  Nutritionists, doctors, and scientists bicker over what a healthy diet consists of.  For example, although popular, low fat diets are challenged by many.  As times change, so does the health consensus.  At one point in time, refined white four was extolled at extremely healthy, but now it is almost universally regarded with contempt.  Continually changing, dietary health is an extremely fickle subject.  The government should not tell us what to eat and what not to eat.  They have science to support them, but scientist are in disagreement.  And, perhaps tomorrow new break through experiments will prove that are latest government mandated food plan is defective.
    In America, people should have the freedom to decide for themselves or consult specialists what is best for their health.  Government interference is not helpful and is a waste of federal dollars. 

Illegal Immigrants

This is written in response to James' article "Immigration."
  James is right.  The federal government wastes too much money on immigrants.  However, the waste is not in keeping the immigrants out, as he suggests, but in keeping them in.  America gives a conflicting message to immigrants. It tells them to not come illegally, but if you do, there is no problem.  We can help you.  Illegal immigrants are not solely to blame.  The government could be more efficient at screening the immigrants.  The organization FAIR reported that federal, state, and local governments annually spend approximately a staggering $113 billion on immigrants in America.   
Almost half of this expenditure comes from education of illegal alien children.  Other expenses are welfare, medicine, justice, and public Assistance.  Although 8.5 billion may be “whopping,” it does not even come close to challenging the expenditure wasted on keeping them here.
                Without a doubt, I agree that immigrants are invaluable to American society.  Nevertheless, they have the duty to follow the law of the country they want to be a part of.  James says, “Instead of spending all this money trying to keep them out, why don’t we just let them in?” However, much more money is spent on keeping immigrants in. Why not stop and keep them out?
                James makes an extreme generalization, “They’re just here to find a job and making some money trying to support their children, wives, and families.”  No doubt, the majority immigrants have good intentions, but such a wide generalization is uncalled for.  James justifies their illegal actions by their goal to support their families.  While supporting one’s family is a noble goal, illegal activity should be avoided.  When a thief steels ham from HEB, should his illegal activity be justified by his willingness to support for his family? The end does not justify the means.
                I also agree that “They’re no more different than any of us Americans.” They are living human beings that have as much right to breath air as you or I do.  I believe that all men are created equal and are endowed by the Creator with certain unalienable rights.  My advise to the millions of honest immigrants would be this: hire immigration lawyers to help them legally claim their citizenship or residence.  James accuses people who do not think as he does to be heartless. But I want nothing but the best for these people and this country.  I want to see them become legal immigrants, legal residents, and legal citizens.  I want to see a nation which laws are followed.