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Just A Thought
by James Glaser February 3, 2011 
Most Americans know by now that our country has an obesity problem, and there are many learned people who offer solutions. I have no expertise in this area, but I think I may have figured out one of the causes and maybe a small part of the solution for this problem. I went to the lumber company today, and they have a candy/potato chip section. The same is true for the auto parts store. Today, every gas station is a candy store. When I was growing up, and when there was no obesity problem, the lumber company sold lumber, the auto parts store sold auto parts, and the gas station might have had a small candy vending machine next to the coke machine. That vending machine had about six selections and the coke machine had those small seven ounce bottles of coke. Today? Well, today at almost every cash register or counter at any business there is a bowl of penny candy you can have for free. Many motel chains now give you free chocolate chip cookies before you go to bed, and a "free" breakfast where you can have as many waffles, pats of butter, and sugary syrup as you want. There are very few candy stores any more, because candy is no longer special, and in many places it is free. The United States is awash in sweets and treats. No wonder we are an obese nation. |
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