Mississippi Idiocy

I know I'm a few days behind the power curve on this one, but please take a look at this Proposed bill in Mississippi. This bill is the brainchild of three members of the state's House of Representatives, Republicans W. T. Mayhall, Jr. and John Read, and Democrat Bobby Shows. This new bill, if passed, would make it illegal for restaurant owners to serve obese customers. Can you imagine the stupidity?

First of all, is the outright insult to the citizens of Mississippi. It's no secret that MS has the highest rate of obesity in the country, but humiliating them is not the answer. Not only the people of MS, but the rest of the nation, what does it say to them? That they are not good enough to sit next to so-called "normal" people in a restaurant setting? That these 3 lawmakers are so appalled at having to eat along side others that they would make it ILLEGAL to serve them? I think it is discrimination and hatred at its lowest, even thought they attempt (unsuccessfully) to disguise it as "helping" them.

Second of all, what would it do to the economy of MS? Do you think that those restaurants can afford to lose 3/4 of their customer base? And if they are caught serving them, are they willing to lose their licenses or pay fines? And what if the restaurant owner is obese? Would it be illegal to eat in your own restaurant?

And lastly, what exactly would the criterea be for obesity, who get's to determine it, and how is the chick at the McD's counter supposed to knowwho she can or can't serve?

Of course this bill will not pass, it's already dead in the water, but I cannot imagine the idea of it even being presented. What incredible gall these guys must have! And arrogance, and self-rightousness, and idiocy! It really just makes me mad. I am not obese, but many of the people I love and care for are. The only way to help these people is to support them, encourage them, and help them to make better choices. But to deny them dignity is apalling and cruel.

I am ashamed that in this day and age, and in this country, a bill like this was even given an audiance. I hope that the people of MS will take these guys to task and remember this at the polls. They deserve to be represented by honest, unbiased, intelligent people, not bigoted jack-asses!