The American Association of Young People Blog

A world without Twinkies

For the reference I have officially decided that Jonathan Berr who posted a blog that discussed the sad passing of one of the world’s first mass processed foods is an official idiot. Apparently ABC News is reporting that through bankruptcy from the umbrella food organization that produces Twinkies, the quazi edible snack treat is potentially shutting down due to labor issues and a drop in purchasing.

I actually had to take a few hours to let this post digest because it made me so sick to my stomach, I didn’t want to post in pure anger. First off, he referred to Wonder Bread as wholesome fare and also blames people who over pay for organic apples and eat healthy as reasons to the demise of Twinkies. Point A) that is one of the most uneducated forms of reasoning ever, point B) Its actually the thousands of new products on the market yearly; made of almost completely sugar that are creating clutter and hence toughening the junk food market.

With the $5 organic apple comment I laughed, thats hilarious, because the reason we pay so much for healthy produce is because our government does such a poor job funding the agriculture industry that produces healthy food for our consumption. Let me stress this isn’t just a soap box issue because I believe in healthy eating for my own health…instead its for the wellbeing of my wallet in the next 70 years as I look to lead a long healthy life.

Let me explain, healthcare is actually one of the biggest threats to our nations pending deficit. I’m glad some people want to live life to its fullest by eating whatever they want (I prefer activity, like running marathons…etc) but it’s that philosophy that is leading to heart disease, type II diabetes, and other treatable yet painful scenarios. How are these treatable?…because I pay taxes going to the doctor bills and pharmaceuticals for the millions of Americans year after year that have been feeding themselves fast food, bad fats, processed foods like…cough, cough, twinkies. To educate yourselves check out a Peter Jennings report from 2004.

Then Mr. Berr goes on to discuss and put a negative spin on our school system that is driving out sugary sodas from the schools and are cracking down on childhood obesity. Wow, is that a bad thing, news to me? He then relates twinkies to a valuable introduction to children in the world of investing, based on their trading the plastic dessert in the lunch room. Honestly I don’t even know how to respond to that because it is so ridiculous. Don’t worry Berr, I’m sure the elementary school kids can start trading cigarettes like a prison cafeteria, because in reality its just as poisonous to their growing bodies.

Even worse, this article was one degree of separation from AOL news’ main page, and the comments posted insult to injury. The 60 ish comments were 90% supportive or Berr’s beliefs. Some even went as far as relating Twinkies to Baseball and Elvis as part of the American Landscape. FYI, cigarette and cigarette commercials painted our past and are a part of Americana at its finest…and we all know our stance on those products today. Its the same thing.

Check out Comment 2o that states, “I loved Twinkies. So what if they make you fat! I rather die young having eaten food that tastes yummy rather than live to 100 eating rabbit food. “– Good for you chunk, and to you sir enjoy lying on a death bed with four nurses trying to hoist your fat carcass into your coffin. Oh and I won’t be upset for the fact that my hard earned salary has percentages going to the very bills it takes to pay for the crane to put you in your larger than normal resting place.

On a closing note I have been doing some research on presidential candidates, and I think one would be well informed to give a look to some of Ron Paul’s healthcare and tax agendas.

And I’m spent.