Just how stupid some of our gov is

[Tertyl]

First it was food, now it's dead people...

http://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/03/13/sprj.irq.congress.france/index.html

Bill proposed to allow return of U.S. vets buried in France
Move signals frustration over Iraq stance

RELATED
House cafeterias nix 'french' fries

WASHINGTON (AP) -- In another swipe at the French, a Florida congresswoman has proposed that the government pay for families who might want to bring home from France the remains of Americans who fought and died in the world wars.

"I, along with many other Americans, do not feel that the French government appreciates the sacrifices men and women in uniform have made to defend the freedom that the French enjoy today," Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite said in introducing legislation providing financial help for the reburial of veterans from the two world wars.

The legislation, which faces uncertain prospects, is the latest show of congressional frustration over French threats to veto a U.N. resolution that would open the way for U.S. military action against Iraq.

Earlier this week, the chairman of the House Administration Committee, Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio, ordered that House restaurants change their menus to read "freedom fries" instead of French fries. French toast would also become freedom toast.

Lawmakers have also introduced bills to prevent France from participating in any postwar reconstruction projects.

Brown-Waite, a freshman Republican, said she decided to sponsor the bill after she was approached by a constituent who said he wanted to bring home his father, who was killed in World War II and buried in France.

Some 74,000 American war casualties are buried in France and Belgium, including 30,000 from World War I. The host nations, while retaining sovereignty over the burial grounds, have granted the land in perpetuity to the United States as military cemeteries.

Steve Thomas, a spokesman for the American Legion, said the veterans' group would need some time to look at the legislation. He said the American Legion has always respected the wishes of the families concerning those who died in combat, but noted that "a lot of people may not want to repatriate their fallen loved ones, separating them from their comrades, to make a statement about the French government."

[Cedwyn]

*bitchslap*

america is such a teenage brat country....

[Effendi]

.
I can't even contimplate the death of my fellow Americans, while at the same time I am so embarrassed by our juvenile stupidity that I really wish that there was a way we could "get Taught" a lesson in humility without losing American lives.

Give me an Idea, I swear to God I would do it...anyway to save face from looking like such an idiot to EVERYONE else in the world without anyone I care about having to actually die.

Of course people Like Mike feel fully justified in sending people like Axe out to get killed, That I can almost understand. Perhapes there really IS some kind of Universal Justice at play!!

Scott!!

[ZupanGOD]

Originally posted by Cedwyn
*bitchslap*

america is such a teenage brat country....

I get it! One congresswoman introduces a bill to protest the French's illogical position it has taken and that equates to all of America being brats. I'm not jumping on the bash the french band wagon like 2/3 of Americans are, but I sure am not happy with them. This position they are taking is compltely illogical.

[Cedwyn]

you got me zupe...there's *nothing* else about american "culture" (or lack thereof) or our policies that would lead me to make such a statement. it was based *solely* on this idiot's proposal....

neither does it have anything to do with the fact that our country is a mere 200 years old....

:rolleyes:

[Effendi]

Originally posted by ZupanGOD

I get it! One congresswoman introduces a bill to protest the French's illogical position it has taken and that equates to all of America being brats.

Jesus dude, do you turn out the lights when you type on your computer also?:

This does Not equate to all Americans being brats, but it is very Indicative of the behavior displayed by our fellow country men.

At what point do you call an Apple and Apple Jason?
French this French that...who gives a fuck about the french #1, and even MORE importantly WHO GIVES A FUCK WHAT WE CALL A FUCKING DEEP FRIED POTATO #2.

Instead of Americans producing bullshit legislation like this, we should be discussing the millions we intend to kill, not what we name our food.

I'm sorry I have to explain this to you Jason, but you have made yourself a part of the problem and not the solution. Congratulations.

I'm not jumping on the bash the french band wagon like 2/3 of Americans are, but I sure am not happy with them. This position they are taking is compltely illogical.

Well maybe it is from an American point of view, (certainly you supporters of bush) but from a French Point of view it makes perfect sense, American Interests are NOT French Interests, why the fuck should they kowtow to us, and don't feed me that "We saved them in WW11 line" People do NOT live beholden to others, I would hope and Expect the French to act in their best interest, whatever that is.

You brilliant Americans never for one minute consider the fact that just Maybe, there are deals made around the world that do NOT involve the "Mighty USA". WE are NOT the "End-All" in this world, even though you sure think we are.

FUCK, this country is chalk full of idiots like you that think your God's gift to the Universe, I would say "Step down" but it's all good, sooner or later you'll get slapped back down where you really are!!

Scott!!

[Cedwyn]

lol

and don't feed me that "We saved them in WW11 line" People do NOT live beholden to others

and if that *were* the way of things, we'd be kissing french ass 'til kingdom come. or is it already forgotten that, if not for the french, the british would have handed our asses to us on a platter during the revolutionary war?

[acidic7]

the only way to get a real government now adays is to stop letting previous president SONS get into the OVERY office

[ZupanGOD]

Originally posted by Cedwyn
you got me zupe...there's *nothing* else about american "culture" (or lack thereof) or our policies that would lead me to make such a statement. it was based *solely* on this idiot's proposal....

neither does it have anything to do with the fact that our country is a mere 200 years old....

:rolleyes:

Sorry, I didn't mean to question your snobby perspective of your own country.

[ZupanGOD]

Originally posted by Effendi

Jesus dude, do you turn out the lights when you type on your computer also?:

This does Not equate to all Americans being brats, but it is very Indicative of the behavior displayed by our fellow country men.

At what point do you call an Apple and Apple Jason?
French this French that...who gives a fuck about the french #1, and even MORE importantly WHO GIVES A FUCK WHAT WE CALL A FUCKING DEEP FRIED POTATO #2.

Who says I give a fuck either bro? Hey call the congresswoman an idiot for all I care, its just that people should keep their anti-American sentiments to themselves, heck I don't agree with the legislation either, but I'm not going bash America over it.

Instead of Americans producing bullshit legislation like this, we should be discussing the millions we intend to kill, not what we name our food.

I thought you just said we shouldn't give a fuck about this kind of stupid shit. The bill is stupid, that's not what I objected to
Cedwyn on. It was the need by Cedwyn to bash America becuase one congresswoman wrote a shitty piece of legislation. That's it.

I'm sorry I have to explain this to you Jason, but you have made yourself a part of the problem and not the solution. Congratulations.

Well maybe it is from an American point of view, (certainly you supporters of bush) but from a French Point of view it makes perfect sense, American Interests are NOT French Interests, why the fuck should they kowtow to us, and don't feed me that "We saved them in WW11 line" People do NOT live beholden to others, I would hope and Expect the French to act in their best interest, whatever that is.

You brilliant Americans never for one minute consider the fact that just Maybe, there are deals made around the world that do NOT involve the "Mighty USA". WE are NOT the "End-All" in this world, even though you sure think we are.

FUCK, this country is chalk full of idiots like you that think your God's gift to the Universe, I would say "Step down" but it's all good, sooner or later you'll get slapped back down where you really are!!

Scott!!

Scott save it bro, I'm not saying any of the such. First of all I have never bashed the French. Ohh well, your pretty radical on some of these issues anyhow so of course your going to construe any senario you see fit here, regardless of what I say or have said. But here goes..

I never made such comments, I've never expressed any such point of view. This is a pure strawman here.

Take care,
Jason

[bungle bliss]

Originally posted by Cedwyn
lol



and if that *were* the way of things, we'd be kissing french ass 'til kingdom come. or is it already forgotten that, if not for the french, the british would have handed our asses to us on a platter during the revolutionary war?

Thank you for pointing that out.

And thank you France.

[Cedwyn]

It was the need by Cedwyn to bash America

is it "bashing" when you call saddam a loony, a threat, evil, etc. etc? no; i rather think you refer to it as "the truth." so, calling spades spades and all that, why is my expression of frustration with my country's attitudes "bashing?" mothers still love their bratty children; i still love my country. i am simply appalled by its behavior at times.

sometimes, i actually envy you your black and white worldview....

[ZupanGOD]

Originally posted by Cedwyn
lol



and if that *were* the way of things, we'd be kissing french ass 'til kingdom come. or is it already forgotten that, if not for the french, the british would have handed our asses to us on a platter during the revolutionary war?

Haha..

First Scott says, "People do NOT live beholden to others." And you posted the very same thing that Scott was trying to refute. Even though I never made any such comment about France having to be greatefull for anything. I agree with Scott.

[Cedwyn]

yes, that's right, ladies and gentlemen, florida schools really *are* that bad.

learn to fucking read, zupan...for the love of life. in no way did i refute scott's comments. if you were possessed of *any* basic comprehension skills, you'd realize this.

i'll give you a hint: the words "and if" are key here....

[Effendi]

Originally posted by ZupanGOD
The bill is stupid, that's not what I objected to
Cedwyn on. It was the need by Cedwyn to bash America becuase one congresswoman wrote a shitty piece of legislation. That's it.


OK, so let me come from another angle...
I'm not so sure why you always feel the need to defend something that is wrong because it is draped in the red white and blue.

It is often suggested that we "Hate America" because we find fault in the actions of the people WE PAY.

If your boss, didn't approve of your work performance, would he say, "It's OK, Jason is an American" his shit just don't stink."

OR

Would he point out where he felt the problem lay and do all in his power to correct it and if you didn't well fire you?

It's way to easy to find fault with third world cheesepuffs around the world, I don't expect much from people who may not have any respect for themselves or even claim to be civilized.

WE on the other hand CLAIM to be "Hot buttered Toast" so what exactly is your problem with people like me holding US up to our own expectations?

When I see two children acting selfish in the playground and one is my kid, I don't kick the ass of the kid I don't know, I kick My own kids ass...WHY, because I could give a fuck about some gene pool freak who knows no better, MY kid on the other hand gets her ass kicked BECAUSE I hold her to a higher intelligence and Understanding of the situation then someone I do not know.

Maybe that's a bad example, but you get my drift. It is The DUTY of any Loyal Patriotic American to keep our elected officials in check or kick their ass right out of office like we did SR.

You staunchly defend the United States from US, your fellow Americans as though WE might wish the US harm. WE are Not the UN, WE are NOT the French, WE are NOT the Enemy. WE are YOU.

Granted I just can't stand George Bush, and might be much more supportive of another American completing whatever necessary missions the US should complete around the world. This man, despite such Arrogant defenses mounted, is a no good idiot and should not be leading our country. I just do not trust him with YOUR life!!

Scott!!

[ZupanGOD]

Originally posted by Cedwyn


is it "bashing" when you call saddam a loony, a threat, evil, etc. etc? no; i rather think you refer to it as "the truth." so, calling spades spades and all that, why is my expression of frustration with my country's attitudes "bashing?" mothers still love their bratty children; i still love my country. i am simply appalled by its behavior at times.

sometimes, i actually envy you your black and white worldview....

I dunno but you try awfull hard to bash America, maybe you don't realize how you come off becuase your so radical in your perspectives that you most likely forget where reality is. It's okay I'll for give ya.

america is such a teenage brat country?

One congresswoman makes a stupid proposal, now America is a teenage brat. Riiiigghht.

american "culture" (or lack thereof)?

I get it, American must run it by you first before it's determined culture or not.

american life has become severely homogenized; i only pray it is delayed in spreading to the rest of the world?

I get it, american life is terrible! So terrible that we should never wish the same prosperity to others, like people in countries were dictators starv them while beefing up their armies not for defence but no other need than offensive purposes.

if you do not believe America was founded as a racist as all get out country, then you are even worse off than i thought?

I get it, so it wasn't liberty the founding fathers advocated strongly and fought for it was only for enslaving other human beings most likely africans.

[shakes head]

Should I go on, or should I call a spade a spade?

-Jason

[Cedwyn]

what the fuck ever, zupe...jeebus, how long did it take you to dredge up those quotes? nice job of pulling stuff completely out of context, btw. but just for grins, why don't you tell us when exactly women and blacks were granted the right of suffrage and then carry on about how egalitarian our country always has been and will be.

news flash: our country is *not* perfect. never has been, never will be. just because i take note of, and sometimes emphasize, our darker moments doesn't mean i hate america as a whole.

my parents grounded me sooooo much when i was younger; i was constantly in trouble. but they love me dearly; always did.

do you see what i'm saying here? i do realize i'm !@$%& lucky to live here. it's precisely what makes me despise bush so; he's trying his damnedest to wreck what *is* great about this country.

[ZupanGOD]

Originally posted by Cedwyn
yes, that's right, ladies and gentlemen, florida schools really *are* that bad.

learn to fucking read, zupan...for the love of life. in no way did i refute scott's comments. if you were possessed of *any* basic comprehension skills, you'd realize this.

i'll give you a hint: the words "and if" are key here....

No I don't think your "getting" it. I was pointing out that Scott took the wind out of your sails to even make such a comment, becuase obviously you just couldn't help yourself to lunge at the opportunity to try to make that point. If you thought Scott was correct, the need to make such a comment is irrelevant, stupid and pointless. If someone brought up the "WWII France better kiss our ass" senario than your "as if" and "America would kiss Frances ass" compiled with Scott's comment would be on spot. And then becuase your lack of understanding of my point you lashed out at Florida? Nice!! What a wonderfull example of how to be a cynical, stuck up ass!

-Jason

[EviLreD]

I was driving behind a huge-ass SUV the other day....

There was a homemade banner in the back...

It said BOMB IRAQ!! and then the IRAQ was crossed out and replaced with FRANCE!

and there I was, with no fork with which to stab myself, and not even sure which eye it would go in if I did......

[ZupanGOD]

Originally posted by Cedwyn
what the fuck ever, zupe...jeebus, how long did it take you to dredge up those quotes?

Dredge up?!? Ha! Actually, I sometimes save them off to send to politically minded friends when the comments are ignorant enough to get a chuckle over. Don't worry they only get sent to us liberals no conservatives, and I don't attach your name, the comments being expressed out of an American, shit!?!?! a human being at that is what is funny not who said them. <G>

nice job of pulling stuff completely out of context, btw. but just for grins, why don't you tell us when exactly women and blacks were granted the right of suffrage and then carry on about how egalitarian our country always has been and will be.

No I agree there was and still are injustices that exist, America re-writes wrongs, the founding princiaples of liberty makes it possible to achieve the objectives of correcting injustices.

news flash: our country is *not* perfect. never has been, never will be. just because i take note of, and sometimes emphasize, our darker moments doesn't mean i hate america as a whole.

I don't think this country is "perfect", but I am a person that puts in it all in perspective. If you look at the world and human history America is pretty damn good. Hey I know deep down you don't really have this amount of a "bad taste" for America that is expressed in your comments. Like I said I don't think you mean it intentionally. Maybe you just need to work on your delivery, I mean it's not that hard to make your critisism of America without being so cynical of America not related to what your were criticizing.

my parents grounded me sooooo much when i was younger; i was constantly in trouble. but they love me dearly; always did.

do you see what i'm saying here? i do realize i'm !@$%& lucky to live here. it's precisely what makes me despise bush so; he's trying his damnedest to wreck what *is* great about this country.

Well than direct your comments at Bush not America. Hey don't take me the wrong way, I know deep down you don't really feel that way, becuase I mean you'd have to be a lunatic really to believe some of it. I think your angry with Bush, not America. When someone says America is X for what person Y does I just find it failed logic, and irrational thinking to link the two as one in the same. America is way to complex to be defined by what one person or one group of people do or have done in the past. When people do this, that's what rubs me the wrong way. Cool?
I'm sorry that I am getting a little fustrated with your comments falling into that senario in my perspective. You can read what I wrote call it BS if you will, I'm just giving you my opinion. Timothy McViegh thought he was being pro-American, so I guess what I am trying to say is take it as you will.

Take care,
-Jason

[Cedwyn]

No I don't think your "getting" it. I was pointing out that Scott took the wind out of your sails to even make such a comment, becuase obviously you just couldn't help yourself to lunge at the opportunity to try to make that point. If you thought Scott was correct, the need to make such a comment is irrelevant, stupid and pointless. If someone brought up the "WWII France better kiss our ass" senario than your "as if" compiled with Scott's comment would be on spot. And then becuase your lack of understanding of my point you lashed out at Florida? Nice!! What a wonderfull example of how to be a cynical, stuck up ass!

which comment, what point; what the fuck *are* you on about?
near as i can tell, effendi and i are pretty well in agreement; no wind-stealing here. i stand by my assertion that your grasp of the english language is tenuous.

scott was correct about not being beholden to others; the topic was about france and theoretical models of obligation, therefore my comment was highly relevant, not pointless; scott *did* in fact bring up said scenario; you think i said something stupid, i think you say many stupid somethings, so we're even there; i didn't type "as if" anywhere - it was "and if" (but thanks for the reinforcement).

it was not that i failed to understand your point; your point was rendered moot by being based in incomprehension. once again: mine and scott's comments on the beholden issue are pretty well in line; we refute each other not at all - in fact, i made almost the exact same comment in another thread. i forget which one, but mike was carrying on about parisians' disdain for americans.

as for lashing out at florida: it's no secret that education isn't exactly a priority for their state budget. oops! there i go, making factual observations that happen to present a less-than-ideal scenario again! quick! flog me!

[Cedwyn]

Maybe you just need to work on your delivery, I mean it's not that hard to make your critisism of America without being so cynical of America not related to what your were criticizing.

i probably could work on my delivery, but there *is* a lot about america that deserves criticism; it isn't just bush. one example: our fast food/disposable "culture" has been invading the world for decades and it's atrocious. this has been largely fueled by capitalism, assisted through our more imperialistic endeavors, etc. etc. - it's quite hard indeed to separate out the components. you know?

[D-d0g]

Originally posted by EviLreD
I was driving behind a huge-ass SUV the other day....

There was a homemade banner in the back...

It said BOMB IRAQ!! and then the IRAQ was crossed out and replaced with FRANCE!

and there I was, with no fork with which to stab myself, and not even sure which eye it would go in if I did......

Well, that pretty much sums things up right there.

99% of people living in this country are both ignorant of how good we have it and ignorant of how fortunate we are to have it this good relative to the rest of the world. Their ignorance makes them amazingly dangerous - they are willing to fight "them" for "our way of life," when they don't even really know who "they" are and our "way of life" is merely something they learned from watching tens of thousands of hours of TeeVee.

Frightening.

Peace,

D-d0g

[ZupanGOD]

Originally posted by Cedwyn


which comment, what point; what the fuck *are* you on about?
near as i can tell, effendi and i are pretty well in agreement; no wind-stealing here. i stand firmly by my assertion that your grasp of the english language is tenuous at best.

scott was correct about not being beholden to others; the topic was about france and theoretical models of obligation, therefore my comment was highly relevant, not pointless; scott *did* in fact bring up said scenario; you think i said something stupid, i think you say many stupid somethings, so we're even there; i didn't type "as if" anywhere - it was "and if" (but thanks for the reinforcement).

it was not that i failed to understand your point; your point was rendered moot by being based in incomprehension. once again: mine and scott's comments on the beholden issue are pretty well in line; we refute each other not at all - in fact, i made almost the exact same comment in another thread. i forget which one, but mike was carrying on about parisians' disdain for americans.

If you thought Scott's comments were spot on than why did you find it so nessessary to make the comment? That's all I am saying.

as for lashing out at florida: it's no secret that education isn't exactly a priority for their state budget. oops! there i go, making factual observations that happen to present a less-than-ideal scenario again! quick! flog me!

Education this year alone is slated for like a 14% increase in the state budget, Jeb has made this his top priority, in fact he was re-elected on education. During the last govenors race, over all state priorities education was the key issue on the table that determined the priority of the race to begin with. Jeb campaigned on education being the priority and was re-elected by a overwhelming margin considering that this state is overwhelmingly Democratic. BTW, isn't Oregon facing some cuts in education? And you guys have a a state income tax, no? I'm not here to flog you, I think your suriously short sided. There is so many factors to take into account, each state faces quite different circumstances, so unlike you I'm not going to take the stuck up approach and claim moral superiority here. I just wanted to point out that your wrong.

Later!

-Jason

[ZupanGOD]

Originally posted by Cedwyn


i probably could work on my delivery, but there *is* a lot about america that deserves criticism; it isn't just bush. one example: our fast food/disposable "culture" has been invading the world for decades and it's atrocious. this has been largely fueled by capitalism, assisted through our more imperialistic endeavors, etc. etc. - it's quite hard indeed to separate out the components. you know?

Interesting..

You can make that link all on food? And here I thought the reason why McDonalds does so well overseas is becuase people are eating their shitty hamburgers. <G>

So Chinese food, and Italian food invaded America for decades and has atrocities as well that are largely fueled by capitalism, assisted through their imperialistic endeavors too?

Actually I agree about one thing though, McDonalds isn't exactly what I take pride in exporting either. In fact I think it's unhealthy if you think about it, but then again McD's is using imperialistic endeavors to force people overseas to eat those shitty hamburgers right?

One thing is for sure it's not healthy regardless. Just check out this article.

highlight:

Asian children exposed to an American-made high-sugar, high-fat, pre-processed, fast-food diet now seem to be coming up with American diseases: obesity, diabetes,

Clustering in Cities, Asians Are Becoming Obese

By SETH MYDANS

MANILA, March 12 � A wave of obesity is sweeping through Asia as its population shifts into vast new cities where the food is faster and fattier and the lifestyle more sedentary.

As it did in the West a generation ago, obesity is bringing with it a range of ailments led by cardiovascular disease. Once uncommon in Asia, diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system are now the continent's leading killers.

Most visibly and most dangerously for the future, obesity is spreading among children, bringing a severe form of diabetes and putting them at risk for years to come.

Known in Chinese as "xiao pangzi," or "little fatties," these roly-poly children seem to be everywhere, the pampered victims of cultures that prize them as emblems of affluence and well-being.

"We spoil him," said Warisa Waid, a Thai teacher in Bangkok, of her 11-year-old son, Saharat, whose father is an ethnic Thai-Chinese. "Whatever he wants, we give it to him. We don't care if it is good or bad, we just feed him whatever he wants.

"Plus his lifestyle," she added. "He spends most of his time in front of the TV, playing video games and watching cartoons."

When Saharat was younger, his mother said, he was small for his age. "His father's family believes that being skinny is bad, so they kept telling me, `Why don't you feed your kid more,' and, `What's wrong with him.' "

Now he is too fat, she said, but his grandparents keep feeding him.

"He loves deep-fried stuff, and very minimal vegetables," she said. "Almost, I could say, he doesn't eat vegetables at all. They give him whatever he wants � KFC and McDonald's and pizza and all that."

In other words, a typical Asian city boy.

In cities, it is processed foods and fast foods rich with sugar and saturated fats that are the most available and often the cheapest. At the same time, there is much less demand or opportunity for physical exercise.

Over and over, studies show much more obesity in cities than in the countryside. In China, 5 percent of the population as a whole is classified as obese; in its fast-developing cities, the number can be as high as 20 percent.

Many of these are children, particularly the "little emperors" in China, where government-mandated one-child families often cause parents to be overindulgent.

The World Health Organization now reports that 6 out of 10 deaths in the region are due to diseases that may be linked to obesity � heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, gallbladder disease and some forms of cancer.

While obesity can be a crucial factor in all these ailments, it is the direct cause of two-thirds of diabetes cases and one-fifth of all heart disease. In most Asian countries, these diseases now take more lives than do malaria, tuberculosis, pneumonia, malnutrition, accidents and other more familiar causes of death.

The spread of obesity may prove more deadly here than in the West. For the most part, these are not developed nations. Their health care systems cannot cope with such complex diseases and their expensive, long-term treatments.

"Asia is facing a nutrition crisis, and what is at stake is the health of half the world's population," said Neville Rigby, spokesman for a London-based medical association called the International Obesity Task Force.

This comes at a time when the rates of cardiovascular disease have been dropping in many developed nations because of public education, treatment and screening programs.

Unlike communicable diseases with their immediate symptoms, obesity has crept up almost unnoticed and Asian governments are unprepared to address it, said Dr. Gauden Galea, a Philippines-based expert with the World Health Organization. "We are talking about numbers so huge that people can't see them, even," he said.

Overall statistics for the region have not been collated, he said. "It's more like a jigsaw that emerges from many individual studies that all fit together."

Globally, more than one billion adults are overweight and at least 300 million of these are classified as obese. Asians are making up an increasing proportion of these, he said.

A particular concern is the rapid spread among Asian children of what was once known as adult-onset diabetes. The ailment, which rarely affected children in the past, is so closely linked to obesity that it has been nicknamed "diabesity." In China, experts say, it has been rising by 9 percent a year.

[ZupanGOD]

"We are faced with kids aged 10 to 12 who may require treatment for the next 50 years with tablets or insulin shots, and start getting heart attacks at age 25 to 30," said Paul Zimmet, director of the International Diabetes Institute in Melbourne, Australia, at a recent conference.

The World Health Organization, in a report last week, said 30 million people in East and South Asia have adult-onset diabetes � one-fourth of the world's cases in an area that is home to about half the world's population. It projected that the number would rise to 130 million by the end of this decade, more than half the projected worldwide total of 216 million.

The danger of cardiovascular disease is heightened in Asia by widespread smoking, the third major risk factor, along with poor diet and lack of exercise. In addition, Asians are more susceptible to these ailments because they tend to store fat around the abdomen, which puts a particular strain on the heart and cardiovascular system.

Experts set benchmarks using a "body-mass index" that involves height and weight in a continuum from simply overweight to obese. As the body-mass index rises, so do health risks. However, Asians encounter health risks with lower body mass indexes and smaller waists than Caucasians do.

The public health challenge is compounded by the fact that most Asian nations are still dealing with the opposite problem � food shortages in much of the population.

"More than any other region in the world, Asia faces two quite different diet-related health problems: undernutrition and overnutrition," said the Asia Food Information Center, a private group.

In Vietnam, for example, the government Center for Nutrition found in the year 2000 that 12.5 percent of children in Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon, were obese. At about the same time, the government was announcing a plan to try to reduce the nationwide malnutrition rate among children.

Experts say governments will be faced with difficult choices in allocating health-care funds between those who eat too little and those who suffer from eating too much.

Dr. Galea cautioned against blaming the overeaters for their condition, which he said was as much the product of their environment as an infectious disease would be. "When people move to cities they are automatically at greater risk," he said � the poor as well as the more comfortably off.

It is not only the fast-food chains that have changed the Asian diet. Milk, ice cream, cookies, soft drinks and potato chips � these once-alien foods are as common in many parts of Asia now as in the West. Meat and eggs are making inroads on rice and vegetables.

In the last two decades, Thais have doubled their annual intake of sugar to 63.9 pounds per person from 27.9 pounds, according to a study in 2001 by the Public Health Ministry.

"Sugar is everywhere in our lives, in food, desserts, soft drinks, snacks and even infant milk formula," said Dr. Supreeda Adulyanond of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation.

The World Health Organization reports that obesity among Thai children aged from 5 to 12 rose to nearly 16 percent from 12 percent in just two years.

In Japan, researchers found that from 1970 to 1999 the prevalence of obesity among 9-year-old boys had risen from 2.9 percent to 9.7 percent. Among girls, the number rose from 3.4 percent to 8.

In Malaysia, reports show that obesity among teenagers increased to 6 percent in 1997 from 1 percent in 1990.

In the Philippines, Dr. Augusto D. Litonjua, who heads the Philippine Association for the Study of Overweight, a private group, said that in an informal survey of doctors, 25 percent of patients were overweight.

He blamed what he called "malling," which he defined as spending the day in shopping malls and eating at fast-food restaurants.

Even as they eat, however, many of these people long to be slim. As in the West, the bloating of Asia has been accompanied by a slimming of the ideal of beauty. As American fast-food chains spread through Asia they are being followed by a proliferation of gyms, slimming programs, diet pills and liposuction.

From Taiwan to Thailand, models and movie stars look like their counterparts in the West, long-boned waifs, never satisfied that they are thin enough.

"I think I am fat," said Methinee Kingpayome, one of Thailand's most famous models. "Although people think I am thin, I can always find fat on my body."

She added the obligatory disclaimer for people who make their living from their good looks, "True beauty is not judged by physical appearance but by the kindness of the heart."

[ZupanGOD]

Originally posted by D-d0g


Well, that pretty much sums things up right there.

99% of people living in this country are both ignorant of how good we have it and ignorant of how fortunate we are to have it this good relative to the rest of the world. Their ignorance makes them amazingly dangerous - they are willing to fight "them" for "our way of life," when they don't even really know who "they" are and our "way of life" is merely something they learned from watching tens of thousands of hours of TeeVee.

Frightening.

Peace,

D-d0g

I agree with that. I cringe like the rest of you when I see and hear people make "just bomb them" statements when these people don't even understand who "them" is. I'm at least reading the Kuran to try to help myself understand. <G>

[booboo69]

Shit this country has some stupid fuckers in places they shouldn't be. Maybe next someone will try to have the colors of the flag changed because France's national colors are also red, white and blue.

*rolls eyes as hard as possible*

[elite-n-$in]

definatly hopeless!!!!

[Carley]

http://www.nwtekno.org/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=51098&pagenumber=3

(This is a dupe thread by the way ;))