Om Nom Nom

Obama's exclusive Youtube interview (around 30-minute mark):



I got caught up watching this entire video. And I applaud President Obama for being "hip" enough to do something like this - it's a great way to engage the younger generation into political discussion. And I strongly recommend this video to others.

One of his answers, however, irked me. The question asked why it is cheaper to buy Fruit Loops than fruit. The president talked about the importance of the First Lady's initiative to fight obesity in America, how Wal-Mart is now selling fruits and vegetables, and how such action will make fruits and vegetables more accessible to America.

But that's a disappointingly vague and speaking-points driven answer from the President of the United States on one of the most troubling social issues of our times. The First Lady's initiative is wonderful, but isn't enough. What America needs is something closer to what Mark Bittman suggests:

End government subsidies to processed food. We grow more corn for livestock and cars than for humans, and it’s subsidized by more than $3 billion annually; most of it is processed beyond recognition. The story is similar for other crops, including soy: 98 percent of soybean meal becomes livestock feed, while most soybean oil is used in processed foods. Meanwhile, the marketers of the junk food made from these crops receive tax write-offs for the costs of promoting their wares. Total agricultural subsidies in 2009 were around $16 billion, which would pay for a great many of the ideas that follow.

As long as processed foods remain cheaper to put on the shelves than fruit and vegetables, it will NOT fix America's dependency on processed foods. The First Lady is using her position and influence to impact change. It's time for the President and Congress to follow her lead.

If you want to complain about this...

... then just go ahead and legalize gay marriage. Then this won't even be an issue.

President Obama on Thursday ordered his health secretary to issue new rules aimed at granting hospital visitation rights to same-sex partners, and making it easier for gays and lesbians to make medical decisions on behalf of their partners...

“Every day, all across America, patients are denied the kindness and caring of a loved one at their sides,” Mr. Obama said in the memorandum, adding that the rules could also help widows and widowers who rely on friends and members of religious orders who care for each other. But he say gays and lesbians are “uniquely affected” because they are often barred from visiting partners with whom they have spent decades.

Several states have tried to put an end to discrimination against same-sex couples, and Mr. Obama said he intended to build on those efforts. He said the new rules will make clear that designated visitors should enjoy visiting privileges that are no more restrictive than those enjoyed by immediate family members.

But as awesome (not to mention LATE) as this is, it is nowhere near the equity that gay couples deserve. If one chooses to commit to spend his or her life with a gay partner, that partner should be allowed to act as next-of-kin in medical cases. Just as a husband is typically given the right to make medical decisions on behalf of his wife if she is unable to, the same trust and power should be granted to gay couples.

Say what you will...

About over-taxation, welfare, Pell Grants...

Health care is a freakin' fundamental right. And for a country with as many health care resources as the United States to not grant its people that fundamental right is has been a crime against humanity.

But it's not enough to stop here. It will be an uphill battle to defend this monumental act, not to mention some of the brave legislators who more or less gave up their chances of re-election by voting for the bill. The bill still would leave MILLIONS uninsured. Congress finally did something right, and now it's time to make sure they never forget why this decision - despite the political costs - was worthwhile.

It's a step. Albeit one hell of a big step. And I think Ted Kennedy would be proud. And I guess today I, too, am proud to be an American.

Premature ejactulation.

Today's NYT: "Barack Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize"

When news hit the wire, I scrambled to check other sources to make sure this wasn't satire.

Speaking as an impassioned supporter who went out of state to canvass for his presidential campaign, I congratulate him for the award. It's the nicest thing I can say about the rather bizarre move.

Frankly, the decision does a disservice for everyone. These awards are supposed to have tangible merit. You should not be able to win the Nobel by virtue of spreading hope to the masses, which is pretty damn close to the rationale they've provided. Awarding it to Obama less than a year into his term glorifies his very few accomplishments, diminishes the Nobel's prestige, and invites ridicule to both the Committee and the award recipient.

As Sky News put it: "It's the prize for not being George W. Bush." Embarrassing how low we've sunk.

Paul Krugman,

Will you marry me?

So where does Obamacare fit into all this? Basically, it’s a plan to Swissify America, using regulation and subsidies to ensure universal coverage.

Even better than his last column. I would promise that this would be my last PK-love-post, but I don't think I could keep such a promise.

A battle from a past decade...

Click on title for NYTimes article.

And the reason why I find Paul Krugman so much more attractive than he probably is (superficially speaking, of course):

What’s still missing, however, is a sense of passion and outrage — passion for the goal of ensuring that every American gets the health care he or she needs, outrage at the lies and fear-mongering that are being used to block that goal.

U.S. Journalists Pardoned

Read an article in the NYTimes today about the role that former presidents can play in foreign policy. It highlighted Carter's visit to North Korea during Clinton's presidency, which resulted in an agreement/accord that lasted until 2003 or so.

It's a relief to see these women freed after their experiences in North Korea. But it's a greater relief to see diplomacy handled so gracefully and humanitarian rights emphasized. That's the special power of former presidents, I think. The ability to represent a country's goodwill, with all the prestige and respect, without the imposing presence or calculated strategy.