The Daily Gist: With Ben Istiphan

First it was SARS, and now it’s the swine flu. Once again, we are confronted with a looming health crisis, which has the potential of impacting the entire globe. A few dozen have died in Mexico as a direct result to exposure of the flu, while several cases in the United States may suggest that the flu is spreading there as well.

I can’t think of a better opportunity for right-wing politicians to voice their anti-immigration sentiments than at this present moment. If this Mexican health crisis turns into a American health crisis, then the illegal immigrant who is not suppose to be in the United States can become the ideal scapegoat. Let’s keep in mind that there is a good chance that the fruits and vegetables we consume everyday, have been touched by these individuals I speak of. Not only are they stealing our jobs, but they are also potentially killing Americans systematically, by contaminating food productions.

The source of this recent outbreak is yet clear, but why not blame Mexico? Of course we could make the practical argument that our reliance on the adverse production and consumption of farm animals is making us sick, but that would be too rational of us.

Today when I was driving around in my car, I noticed a new McDonald’s Billboard advertising their new snack wraps. I am somewhat dumbfounded that they chose to use the word “snack” to promote their newest addition to the menu. McDonald’s has already managed to incorporate breakfast, lunch, and dinner items , but all of a sudden the fast food chain has branded itself as a “snack time” provider.

Just in case that Big Mac extra value meal for lunch wasn’t enough, McDonald’s is ensuring that their costumers will not be starving themselves before dinner approaches. The time in between meals is an opportunity for many to eat the fruits and vegetables that they didn’t consume enough of during their 3 main courses. However, once again, McDonald’s is offering the public an alternative, so drop that apple Billy and tell mommy to go to Mickey D’s for a wrap instead.

There is yet another industry that has been flourishing during the economic recession. Pharmaceutical companies have witnessed an increase in sleeping pill sales as of late. This may suggest that Americans are more stressed than ever and that the insecurities of work are dramatically effecting an individual’s sleeping patterns on a nightly basis.

When pharmaceuticals portray themselves as the remedy and solution, the situation tends to exacerbate itself. Every penny counts today, but somehow we are convinced that purchasing a pill is just as important as providing groceries or paying the bills. For some, persuasion and manipulation is no longer needed once addiction kicks in and when our happiness is chemically distorted. There is a natural remedy out there that will alleviate the anxieties of the working people, which the pharmaceutical compaines don’t want us to know about. I speak of economic stability

Bolivian President Evo Morales has called to end the criminalization of the coca leaf. Coca is one of the main components for the manufacturing of cocaine, and is primarily the reason why the United States continues the massive eradication program of the crop as part of the war on drugs. However, in Bolivia, and other Latin American countries, the coca leaf is revered by millions of farmers as a plant that suppresses hunger, thirst, pain and fatigue.

The leaf’s medical properties should not be ignored, while other industries, such as cosmetics and food, can potentially profit by utilizing this diversified plant. Many in the region who grow this vital plant are probably not even familiar with cocaine, yet the eradication continues. Turns out that the indigenous farmer chewing on a leaf has ambitions to become the next Tony Montana.

It’s tough times if you’re an investor or a businessman these days, but those in the processed food market should be optimistic. With less money in their pockets to pay for fruits and vegetables that are increasing in price, families across North America are relying more on the cheap stuff. The classics, like Kraft Dinner and Spam, are reemerging once again in every household pantry.

Yes they are inexpensive and struggling families need to eat, but the long-term consequences must be evaluated. What does the over-abundance of processed food mean for our health and the health of our children? Today you’re saving a couple of bucks by buying mac and cheese in a box, but tomorrow you’re coughing up thousands of dollars for open heart surgery. Financially, you may luck out in Canada, but an idle body is also an unproductive body, especially for that of a working father who needs to pay the bills. So next time you’re at the grocery store, go with the broccoli; it’s worth it in the end.

Even with the constant traveling and endless meetings, Barack Obama has managed to keep his body in decent shape. Obama is currently spending his holiday vacation in Hawaii with his family at a beach side compound. With the paparazzi lurking around, the 47 year old did not hesitate to expose his middle aged body. It’s just another reason to envy the president-elect, especially if you’re the 1/3 of American adults who are obese. Obama is definitely leading by example, but let’s see if he can keep it up as the job becomes a little more strenuous in the coming months. Seeing that he’s an avid fan of basketball, I would suggest renovating the White House with some hardwood, which can become a great escape when he’s cooped up in the oval office.