Community Transformation

By D.L. Hammack

In the proposed Affordable Health Choices Act bill, legislators have inserted a wide-ranging provision for what is deemed a concerted effort to reduce obesity in America and provide alternative lifestyles for Americans. These provisions would be carried out using taxpayer money and be overseen by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC would distribute the money as well as coordinate the various state, local, and "community" entities responsible for carrying out the plans.

Let's set aside the fact that within the legislation is the broad definition of "national networks of community-based organizations" that will be allowed to accept taxpayer dollars and submit plans (can you say ACORN), but the direct assault on America, under this addition to the bill, has been called -- now get ready for this -- "Community Transformation Plans". The change America wanted is about to slap them in the face-in the form of a future of fellow citizens telling them what they can and cannot eat, how much they need to exercise -- and all of this with the full backing and might of the federal government!

Organizers shall be directed to focus on (but not be limited to) (i) creating healthier school environments, including increasing healthy food options, physical activity opportunities, promotion of healthy lifestyle and prevention curricula, and activities to prevent chronic diseases. It will then be their responsibility to submit and share their findings with the CDC on how these Community Transformation Plans are working, all under the auspices that the government knows what's best for you.

The organizers will be responsible for tracking weight loss in their community, the increases in physical activities, and how their "re-training" activities are resulting in healthier lifestyle options. They will share their findings with other cities in the hopes of creating a network of concerned bodies whose only goal is to save you from yourself.

This act smells of eerie similarities to those dreaded "re-education" camps that sprouted up after the Vietnam War.