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Old 11-27-2005, 23:07 PM   #111 (permalink)
Bulgaroctonus
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Join Date: 10-29-04
Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dalem
Huh? You made a post about the supposed "economic costs" of obesity. I replied to it.
It was the nature of the reply that annoyed me.

Quote:
Originally Posted by dalem
If I try to entrap you you will know it.
Not a very good method of entrapment then! Anyway, the stealth fat-slapper will never be apprehended.



Quote:
Originally Posted by dalem
So what? Doesn't make the concept any more relevant.
Sure it does. The fact that many people agree with my findings makes it that much less likely that I am just rambling on.



Quote:
Originally Posted by dalem
You are passing the forest by in order to count trees.
Am I supposed to walk through the forest? But what if it's a tree farm and I can just multiply the rows by columns? Or do I take an aerial photo? Do saplings count? Deciduous or evergreen? It's all so confusing.

Damn metaphors to hell! I say unto thee man, speak plainly!

Quote:
Originally Posted by dalem
Many, many human traits can be said to have "economic costs"
Many, many human traits do have economic costs.

Quote:
Originally Posted by dalem
to some degree or another, yet as part of a society we tacitly agree to sacrifice some of our inherent freedoms and uniqueness for the common good.
Yes.

Quote:
Originally Posted by dalem
Some of my taxes go to pay for schooling and I am childless and will remain so. I partially pay for federal programs I don't support or use, etc. Likewise, some people will always need relatively more or less medical care than I will, barring some personal trauma to me. Why should I begrudge them that? Are the people I penalize for being fat going to then be able to penalize me for lacking some piece of what people like you determine is human perfection?
No, I can actually understand your concern here. Let me first ask, do you concern a lack of children to be an imperfection? I hope not, because it is not, at least not in my book. Of course, some people need to have children or else we're done for. But this shouldn't be a problem (Ehem...if you get my drift).

Moving on. The issue is not perfection. Instead my concerns arise from my medical aspirations, and a concern for civic health. We all know the deadly consequences of obesity. It affects the obese people, their loved ones, and society as a whole. My programs are not punitive. They encourage people to get healthier and help themselves.

Also, obesity is largely a choice (I am aware of those few individuals that have a genetic predisposition). That is, the government is urging people to make better choices. We are not punishing them for unalterable circumstances, and certainly not for a lack of children.

I hope I have allayed your fears somewhat.

Quote:
Originally Posted by dalem
Bah.
Humbug.
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