Reclaiming our Choices

By Rachel Stockton 

In the world of politics, this has been an interesting week.  While the Senate is consumed with health care reform and the minutia thereof, Sarah Palin has been making the talk show circuit touting her book, “Going Rogue.”  And let's not forget Patrick Kennedy, who is being denied communion because of his views on abortion rights. 

Oprah Winfrey garnered her highest ratings in two years for her Palin interview.  And, contrary to what some people may believe, politicians don’t particularly care whether you agree with them or not, as long as you’re tuning in and hearing the spiel.  This has been a big week for Palin and for those who view her as a potential savior from what they fear will be health care ruin, and ultimately life as we know it.

If you read the comments of those who have lined up for hours to meet Sarah Palin and have her sign their books, a main theme that runs through what all of the verbiage is that they are afraid, pure and simple.  And fear can cause people to go to extremes, especially if they believe they are not being listened to.  Just ask Blanche Lincoln, senator from Arkansas whose phone lines have been consistently jammed with people calling in and voicing their opposition to the health care bill.

Fear also pushes people to the opposition in droves, regardless of whether or not they would agree with their ideology under “normal” circumstances.

Times, they are a-changin’.  We at Food Consumer are committed to bringing you the most up to date news regarding all things health related, and sometimes, that includes public policy.   

We know that most of our readers are aware that TRUE health (not health care) reform comes from within each of us, individually.  We’ve heard the statistics about how lifestyle is behind most doctor visits, and we know we must take responsibility for our own health.  If we could somehow spread the word that in stepping up to the plate and doing what we need to do to reclaim our health, most would discover that extremes aren’t necessary, much of the panic and disquiet would lessen.  We would also find out that regardless of policy, we DO have control of our own choices.  And that will make us all “okay”, regardless of the outcome of any particular policy.