2014-04-12, 01:54 PM
I approach this problem the same way I approach most things that could be considered "the government infringing on rights," using a "Choices and Consequences" model of my own design. Choices must be given, and while it can be considered Draconian or heartless, the consequences of poor choices is strict and unforgiving.
The school has the imperative to serve the best (healthiest) food possible with the taxpayer money, because citizens should not be responsible for the costs (incurred elsewhere) of obesity. Aside from those government-funded selections, if other entities want to sell "junk" food and with the local government (city, municipality, school board or even some thing as simple as the PTA) approval, this choice must be given to allow people to spend their own money on it. But if you choose to spend you own money on food that eventually leads to obesity, you are not going to inflate medical costs around your orbit, you will pay higher insurance premiums which will not be passed through to others, your obesity will not be considered a disability (eligible for welfare) and if that poverty leads to an early death, then the world is better without you.
I employ the same ideal when it comes to the health insurance mandate, there should be no penalty for not buying health insurance, i.e. no mandate, but if you unfortunately encounter some catastrophic health emergency, you will be expected to pay for it in full and as services are being rendered. Hospitals should be allowed to refuse you service or continue their service if you are unable to pay. If you die, that is a consequence of your choice.
Of course, many of the things I describe, mostly the "dead people" things really offend others because of our crippling compassion so we will continue this long slog until people learn to take and assign responsibility for their actions.
The school has the imperative to serve the best (healthiest) food possible with the taxpayer money, because citizens should not be responsible for the costs (incurred elsewhere) of obesity. Aside from those government-funded selections, if other entities want to sell "junk" food and with the local government (city, municipality, school board or even some thing as simple as the PTA) approval, this choice must be given to allow people to spend their own money on it. But if you choose to spend you own money on food that eventually leads to obesity, you are not going to inflate medical costs around your orbit, you will pay higher insurance premiums which will not be passed through to others, your obesity will not be considered a disability (eligible for welfare) and if that poverty leads to an early death, then the world is better without you.
I employ the same ideal when it comes to the health insurance mandate, there should be no penalty for not buying health insurance, i.e. no mandate, but if you unfortunately encounter some catastrophic health emergency, you will be expected to pay for it in full and as services are being rendered. Hospitals should be allowed to refuse you service or continue their service if you are unable to pay. If you die, that is a consequence of your choice.
Of course, many of the things I describe, mostly the "dead people" things really offend others because of our crippling compassion so we will continue this long slog until people learn to take and assign responsibility for their actions.