What’s the problem? The problem is obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Look at these statistics:
Percent of Overweight People in the U.S.
1970: 16% of adults
2000: 33% of adults
1980: 6% of children and teens
2000: 15% of children and teens
And it's getting worse every year. People in the United States have increased the amount of food they eat in every category (proteins, carbs, fruits and vegetables, etc.) since 1970. Total consumption has increased from 1497 lbs to 1775 lbs per person per year. (Source: National Geographic, August 2004)
How is government involved? The FDA created a new food pyramid, after years of unnecessary delays, and at a cost of $2.4 million of taxpayers' money. The delays and the poor end-result was a result of influence by lobbyists from the food industry. The new pyramid is inaccurate, difficult to read, and a huge rip-off of the American people. Take a look for yourself:
http://www.mypyramid.gov/
Scientists at Harvard University have performed a comprehensive study of essentially every nutritional study that has ever been done, and reached some extremely valuable conclusions. They have created a fantastic food pyramid that, if followed, would greatly increase the health of the American people, and reduce the cost of healthcare. Take a look:
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/pyramids.html
I will fight to replace the current FDA food pyramid with the Harvard food pyramid. Science should not be trumped by lobbyist dollars.
We are facing huge long-term problems: a real unemployment rate of 18%, dysfunctional banks that are "too big to fail", a regressive tax structure that's stifling economic growth, prisons that are bursting at the seams, urban schools that are struggling, a health care system that still needs major reform, the lack of a coherent national energy policy that will protect our economy and the environment, and a government that has been encroaching on our civil liberties. For decades we have lived with irresponsible public policies from career politicians in Congress who care more about increasing their party’s power and getting re-elected than they care about solving long-term problems. They haven’t been honest with us, and they have been lousy public servants.
I’m different. I do not want to be a career politician. I am not a Democrat or a Republican. I’m a Problem Solver. I want to force members of Congress to be responsible, and implement sustainable solutions to real problems. Please read the positions I present on this website, and spread the word to friends and family.
Please email me at John@Mertens2010.com, and become a supporter on Twitter at @mertens4senate or Facebook: John's FB
