Trans Fat forums Tue & Thu at Metro Health

[Robin Garr]

If you're interested in trans fats or have any interest in either seeing them regulated in Louisville or NOT seeing them regulated, you'll want to be aware of these forums this week ...

NEWS RELEASE

Just a reminder! Please attend one of two important community forums being held this week. The forums will examine the health dangers of consuming foods with artificial trans fat and will seek public input on what we should do about them in Louisville.

The forums will be held tomorrow, Tuesday October 27 and Thursday October 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each night at Public Health and Wellness headquarters at 400 E. Gray St. There will be plenty of free parking.

http://www.louisvilleky.gov/Health/News ... ns+Fat.htm

http://www.transfatfreelouisville.com/

I will not be pleased if this effort screws up my Krispy-Kreme donuts.

A transfat ban will screw up more than that.

Some call it totalitarianism, I think of it as being looked after by my loving and all knowing leaders. I enjoy the government telling me what I can eat, when I can eat it, and with whom I can eat it with. After all, they know what is best for me and my family. Since I am only an average person I am clearly not qualified to take care of myself nor my family. As long as I pay my taxes, the government will take care of me. All my wants will be taken care of, and my needs too.

[Robin Garr]

Some call it totalitarianism, I think of it as being looked after by my loving and all knowing leaders. I enjoy the government telling me what I can eat, when I can eat it, and with whom I can eat it with. After all, they know what is best for me and my family. Since I am only an average person I am clearly not qualified to take care of myself nor my family. As long as I pay my taxes, the government will take care of me. All my wants will be taken care of, and my needs too.

Did you notice that the entire purpose of this meeting is to allow the public input? Just askin' ... this deal is far from done, and if enough of the public raises hell, I very much doubt we'll see a stringent ban. Which raises the question: Who's going to the hearing?

::raises hand::

Gimme my transfats.

Yeah. I really don't like the idea of someone telling me what I can or can't eat.

[Robin Garr]

Yeah. I really don't like the idea of someone telling me what I can or can't eat.

Will you be going to the hearing to let your elected representatives know your opinion before they make this regulation, then? Just askin' ...

I can't make it tonight. Thursday is looking better.

[Robin Garr]

I can't make it tonight. Thursday is looking better.

Not picking on you, Michelle.

But when I hear folks talking about government cramming laws down our throats, I do like to point out that - especially at the local level - we citizen voters DO have a voice, but we have to use it. The side you favor may not always win, but I spent enough years as a newspaper reporter to know for certain that aldermen and state representatives and such really do pay attention.

I don't feel as confident when it comes to McConnell and Bunning, though. Since they represent the entire state, a single voice doesn't mean as much to them, especially when it's a voice disagreeing with their core philosophy.

I know that, Robin. If nothing else, it would be interesting to go and hear what they have to say. I hope it's packed to the gills, both nights, with people against being told what they can/can't eat. I know pizza is bad for me, as are hamburgers, cookies, etc, but damn it, they taste good. I'm an adult, I don't need or want anyone butting in and telling me what's acceptable to eat.

I wasn't a fan of the smoking ban but I see and understand it's obvious health benefits.
But this? I think as a walking, talking real live grown-up, there are times when the government will overstep it's reach for the sake of common good. Heck, Let 'em tax those items like they do alcohol and tobacco and see what happens! I think I can make my own choices. But then again, I might be for it if we had universal health care in this country. Then I might feel a little more comfortable with being told what I can't eat. But until they start picking up the tab on my healthcare, I'll eat, drink and smoke what I damn well please!

Not sure what I think about the ban, but I don't think this is about the government telling you what you may or may not eat. I think the analogy is closer to certain substances that cannot be used in food because they can cause harm. When I eat in restaurants, I have no idea if trans fats are in the food or not.

So, it may not be "you can't eat donuts," but more of a "you can eat all the donuts you want, but they can't be fried in trans fats."

What would you think of a law that required notification if foods contain trans fats?

I don't mind a bit being notified that something has trans fat in it. Just don't ban it. We're adults. Let us make our own choices!

I don't mind a bit being notified that something has trans fat in it. Just don't ban it. We're adults. Let us make our own choices!

Apparently, that's the problem. Some people are too ignorant to make informed dietary choices. And, even if they are, won't stick to it.