Empty Calories

I'm only fractionally finished watching a You Tube video called The Bitter Truth About Sugar, so thank goodness this isn't a paper I have to write for school, because I'd probably get an incomplete. I promise to go back and watch the rest of it. The video is from the UC Educational Department and to tell the truth, I played Free Cell as I listened. I really didn't care about the charts. I got the point just by hearing the man speak.
Sugar is poison, and high fructose corn syrup is worse. Because of sugar, and its evil sister, high fructose you know what, we're all fatter and more unhealthy than ever before. Folks, we're all going to die! I'm sure he knows that, but he wants us to be healthier when we do. I am being sarcastic, because I know his concern is the emphasis on heart disease and diabetes for the present and upcoming generations.
The lecturer has been studious and thorough in his research. He actually named the man responsible for this blight on our country, and perhaps, the world. I said out loud, "oh come on, name a Republican." And sure enough, it was Nixon. I understood his logic completely because of the structure of politics and economics that he laid down. It had to do with Nixon helping the food industry maintain lower prices, but in turn, it made sugar go up, therefore, the Japanese invented high fructose corn syrup because it's sweeter than sugar, and cheaper to make. And, it has invaded everything from soda to bread, pretzels and fruit juices, and just about every processed food imaginable. That is why we and all our children are obese, or at least 20 pounds heavier than we were 20 years ago.
I have another theory, though it does work in nicely with the whole processed food deal. Want to hear it? OK. About the same time as the Nixon era, our divorce rates were skyrocketing, and the women's liberation movement was gaining tons of progress. I bought the first Ms. Magazine right about that time. And increasingly, faster foods, more convenient foods are being thrown on the table because Moms are working, and need the quick and easy breakfast, lunch and dinner. And what are kids getting at day care, anyway? The cheap stuff that goes into processed foods has gained an economic foot hold, and it just keeps going. It's a perverse supply and demand event. I have to go check my cupboards and read some labels. But I will always love sugar, please Mr. You Tube guy, don't take away my poison.