Okay, so what do Dolley Madison, Mary Todd Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie Kennedy, Nancy Reagan, Hillary Clinton, and Laura Bush have in common?
Well, I suppose there are many answers to that question… so let me give you mine.
As First Ladies of the United States, each has or had incredible influence… and each has used that influence to further an important cause.
Now, I suppose that you won’t be surprised if I hold a special place for those concerned with addictions… even if it appears that the real solution is far outside the realm of politics.
Here’s what I mean.
Twenty or thirty years ago, the phrase “Just Say No” was popularized as an answer to drug addiction. Of course, just saying no works well if you are a casual user who is capable of making rational choices and decisions, however… an addict cannot just say no.
Their body is dependent on the drug in about the same manner as yours is this very moment dependent on oxygen.
Unfortunately, these political and social battles are often waged more with good intentions than good field logistics and experience.
And I’m concerned we may be losing another great opportunity right now.
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As we speak, Michelle Obama has taken up the worthy cause of obesity, and in particular… childhood obesity.
Unfortunately, there has been a lot of discussion about diets and calorie counting and body mass indexes and proper exercise, but as far as I can tell, no discussion about what I believe is the real CAUSE… food addiction.
Now, please don’t confuse what I am saying… as much as anyone, I want this effort to succeed!
Further, I believe it is appropriate for this cause to be addressed at the highest level of The White House, since obesity rates in children have skyrocketed along with the number of food industry lobbyists in Washington, and the number of children in the Federal School Lunch Program.
Well in excess of 30 Million children per day are served at the taxpayer expense… more than 220 Billion meals since the program’s inception… yet obesity rates climb.
Here is the simple truth.
Sugar, flour and wheat cause a chain of damaging events to occur in the bodies of tens of millions of Americans. Their pancreas goes into hyper drive, overproducing insulin, and causing blood sugar levels to spike and crash.
These individuals (of whom I am one), have no more power to “stay on a diet”, than a drug addict has to “just say no”.
I am asking for your help.
Please forward this article to First Lady Michelle Obama at The White House, along with sincere wishes that she is able to bring light and impact to this devastating illness.
Thanks, and I look forward to speaking with you.
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