[allus70]

The increased utilization along with the rise in the cost of medical treatment is the major cause of our country's crippling debt. Just as costs threaten to overwhelm and destroy our health care system, a convincing argument can be made that people that intentionally abuse their bodies through use of alcohol, tobacco, lack of exercise and the intake of large quantities of fattening food are not only putting themselves at risk, but our health delivery system as well.

Obesity is one of the greatest causes of disability and premature death in our country. It is a contributing factor in diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, arthritis and damaged joints etc. etc. For an elected official to ignore and fail to speak out on a matter that directly effects all of us, would be in my opinion, irresponsible. The freedom to drink soda is still intact, you can even go back for seconds.