Trans-Fat Food

Here is a picture of my daughter, Audrey, eating some fried taters. This is from a couple of years ago at our old house. If some Texas Legislators could have their way, my family would no longer be able to enjoy food like this.

There are two bills that just recently hit the Texas State Senate and House floors that call for the prohibition of trans fat in Texas privately owned restaurants.

Holy cow, I do not need the state government telling me what I can and can't eat. I am not a restaurant owner, but if I was, I sure would be doubly opposed to these bills. It is not the government's job to police your diet. And let me assure you that there is no other reason for this legislation other than the restriction of diet. The problem arises from certain individual's lack of self control; and in the case of minors, the lack of parental control. Overeating afflicts several people in our society but we DO NOT NEED THE GOVERNMENT TO FORCE OUR HAND.

What comes next? Hell, I probably drink too much coffee and cokes. These empty calories and over abundance of caffeine probably have adverse affects on me. Do I need the government to restrict my diet? Do I need the government to restrict food service providers so that I won't consume these products. No, and no.

Folks, do not let your government tell you that you cannot eat trans fat in restaurants. Restaurant owners, do not let your government tell you that you cannot preapre food with trans fat simply because someone may over eat in your restaurant.

Frankly, the argument for this legislation is ridiculous, restrictive, and stomping on our freedom.

I welcome comments.

Cory

Is America Being Hijacked?

Maybe the better question is "does America still exist?"

Does it exist with the same premise as it did 200 years ago? Should it?

The US Constitution was rigorously defended in a set of essays by James Madison called the Federalist Papers. I am in the process of reading our US Constitution (really a short read) and a commentary that goes with it. I am also in process of reading the Federalist Papers. I believe this ought to be required reading by every American.

POLARIZATION

I believe that the policies that are being passed by our current Congress are starting to polarize America. But I'm not talking about Democrat vs. Republican. I think it is more basic than that. I believe we are polarizing into foundationalists vs. progressives. (I leave these titles uncapitalized because I am coining the words and not referring to any party or existing meaning that may already be in use.)

FOUNDATIONALIST

The foundationalist viewpoint would be based on the principals of which this country was founded. The US Constitution was in part a result of intense debate over the powers of a federal government. Most of the founding father's believed that some powers must be allowed to a federal system. It must have the ability to defend, provide justice, tax, and perhaps provide a couple of other key services fundamental to the preamble of the US Constitution. All remaining powers would be retained by the sovereign State governments. Or to quote the Constitution, Amendment 10 "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."

The Constitution strictly points out the how power is to be delegated, added, or removed from the government. With "absolute authority" over all. The founding father's thus created a form of government forming a "more perfect union." Countless authoritarians have proposed our government the closest to perfection as can be attained. A government of self governing through a democratically elected representative consequently acting as a republic.

Those I label as foundationalists would hold on to the idea of limited government, free capitalism, and still hold that all ideas, laws, and governance be passed through the Constitutional test.

PROGRESSIVE

Somewhere in the course of the last 200 years or so, the idea was realized that government not only has the power to provide for the "pursuit of happiness" and the "general welfare," it has the obligation to provide this. Somehow, the idea was born that the clause "all men are created equal" equivocates to that 'all men should live equally.'

Thus when in the course of providing this equality, certain aspects of the constitution should be interpreted or all together ignored for the sake of governing and providing for the people. Those that are able, are taxed to provide for those that are not able. The government, for lack of adequate charity, sets up the ultimate charity. Additionally, the government sets up other programs such as a national board of education for the sake of the people.

THE PROBLEM

The problem with the progressive mindset is that first and foremost, the federal government does not have the constitutional authority for many of these oversights. By interpreting the Constitution, for instance the Commerce Clause, the federal government begins to restrict and regulate certain aspects of AMERICAN life....of ALL American lives. Certainly, the intent is good. The questions is if the results reflect the intention.

Secondly, our federal government now is an Extortionist with a capital E. Now, with the power to tax all of America for (unconstitutional?) programs, it holds those tax dollars in front of our sovereign states until the states comply with the provisions required to use the funds. Let me tell you readers, our government has been doing this for some time now.

CURRENT EVENTS

The boldness of our government to step into the progressive role has never been as obvious as it is now. Agree or disagree, our government has decided to first, bailout business (not a new concept), buy up businesses, control those businesses, and then tax the populace to do it. In perhaps the boldest move of all, it is now retroactively taxing certain individuals on money already rendered. My friends, this completely flies in the face of Section 9 of Article I of our Constitution.

THE RESULT

It is coming to a point to where you must decide if you are for the foundation the Constitution gives and the ideas therein or if you are for the progressive idea that the Constitution can be interpreted and is thus an organic document to match the current whims of the federal government. With new American tea parties, State reassertion of the 10th Amendment, and a public awareness of Constitutionality, lines are being drawn.

For the sake of you future generations, do not, any longer, idly stand by and spectate your government. Inform yourself, make bold decisions and statements, take a stand, write letters to your congressman, demand response, start a blog, spread your message. Most of all, let it be known how you feel. Know where you stand, and let others know.

If you don't, someone will do it for you, without your consent.

Cory Hendrick