[clee1]

Historically, obesity was a visible symbol of affluence - only the very rich could eat lots of "rich" (read fatty, sugary foods). They had a high caloric intake and were not subjected to the heavy manual labor of the average person.

It is a sign of the times that even the poorest American has enough to eat and so much leasure time that they eat more calories than they burn in productive work.

What isn't said in this article is that most of these huge bags of flesh DON'T work and are maintaining their bulk off of welfare and disability payments provided by the hardworking taxpayer. I'm sorry, but even if a person IS really disabled, I don't want my tax dollars to provide a 5000 - 7000 calorie-a-day diet.

[banjo joe]

flesh DON'T work and are maintaining their bulk off of welfare and disability payments provided by the hardworking taxpayer.

Yep, I know more than a few. You can literally eat your way to a disablility check. You're then eligible for subsidized housing, food stamps... on and on.