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AUSThIN
Editorial And we literally mean masses. Have you noticed your waistband expanding at all? How about your neighbors? When the smoke clears in the bars, you may notice more than the foul stench of stale beer and old vomit – that someone that caught your eye at the end of the bar may be packing more than a few extra pounds. A group has been established in Austin cleverly named, “AUSThin”, whose goal is to legislate people’s personal behaviors in a way that helps the rest of the city. By eliminating obesity across Austin, the city’s health infrastructure and character will rapidly improve, just as the smoking ban promises. There’s little doubt that fat people will be put out of sorts by raising taxes on fast food and being forced to buy obsesity permits, but this ordinance, when passed, will be a boon for their health and the general health of Austin. Despite squaks from local restaurant owners who say a tax and more stringent food rules would put a strain on their svelte bottom lines, it won’t destroy the food scene in Austin. After all, look at all those health conscious folks who pulled up in their big SUVs who have packed the new Whole Foods since its opening eight weeks ago. Obviously, fat people in Austin would not like the ban to pass. They may see this as government sticking its nose into a place where it doesn’t belong and it is a matter of personal choice and responsibility. They had their chance, and they couldn’t hack it. The damage is not limited to that person chewing enchiladas or downing soft drinks. Nonfat people are forced to see these people, share rows on airplanes, seats on public transportation, and even walk around them on sidewalks. This affects everyone. It’s OK for a fat person to damage their health by eating enchiladas. Poor eating isn’t a smart choice, with a variety of diseases associated with it - heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, strokes, sleep apnea and other types of cancer. – but poor public health affects us all. Insurance premiums rise, drugs cost more, doctors’ offices are filled to the brim, appointments take days. The ballot initiative wouldn't change poor the availability of fast foods or ban eating in private homes, apartments or hotels. Poor eating still would be permitted at home as well as your friend’s houses. It’s also a fact that nonfat people can choose to eat at Mr. Natural or Veggie Heaven instead of scarfing down Big Macs, just as fat people can choose to go to places that serve one pound burgers covered in bacon and three types of cheese. But the people who work at these restaurants often develop skin conditions and deep acne from the grease they are exposed to, as opposed to a fat free, healthier restaurant. I also believe that the people of Austin deserve better than having to eat a greasy burger or taco at 2:30 in the morning instead of a healthy falafel or a nice batch of hummus. This is a win-win situation for all involved. This ban, no matter how draconian it may seem, helps everyone in Austin – and the years it may tack onto someone’s life are the greatest gift a small majority can bestow on the ignorant few. -Michael Schliefke, 5/9/2005 |
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AUSThIN:
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