Summary of "Don't Blame the Eater"

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When it comes to the topic of obesity, most of us will readily agree that something has to be done to end this crisis and better the heath of our country’s people. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of what role our government should play in the effort to end the obesity epidemic. Whereas some are convinced that the government should be doing more to end obesity, others maintain that the government should not intervene. In an article entitled “What You Eat is Your Business” by Radley Balko, Balko argues for less government intervention. Balko thinks the government must make obesity a personal responsibility. On the other hand, in an article called “Junking Junk Food” by Judith Warner, she argues that the government needs to be involved. Warner believes that in order to end obesity the government must change the way we see food. I agree with Judith Warner and can both agree and disagree with some of Radley Balko’s points. In Radley Balko’s “What You Eat is Your Business,” he argues that obesity is the responsibility of the individual not the government. According to Balko, “Instead of manipulating or intervening in the array of food options available to American consumers, our government ought to be working to foster a sense of responsibility in the ownership of our own health and well being.” What Radley Balko is trying to say is, the government shouldn’t try to change what foods are accessible to consumers but instead make consumers responsible for their choices. Although I feel that consumers should take some responsibility. I believe that the government should do their best to enable its people to make the right choices. In my opinion, removing some of the harmful food products from the market is a step in the accurate direction. Balko claims that government intervention will create more and more federal restrictions on consumer

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