The Year of White: January 1st, 2009

So, it is a new year. 2009. Wow! Seems heady in some ways, so let's deal with the big stuff first.

There are so many American hopes being pinned on Barack Obama that, for me, most things I could wish for on a grand scale--such as an improved economy, thoughtful global relationships, more respect for the environment, etc.--are already in motion. That is, the possibilities are being considered by the new administration, and we just have to wait to see how new policies are managed.

Take, for example, the area of science. Obama agrees with many people that the Bush administration has used science--the knowledge that is scientifically produced--as a political tool, to be accepted or rejected according to political goals. And he says he will change that.

I believe that this assertion concerning the manipulation of scientific data/knowledge is true, and I hope that there are improvements in the way science is funded, moderated, presented, discussed, and used.

And the list goes on.

I, and perhaps many other Americans like me, am content to allow Obama a while to work and try to achieve the many things that he has promised. I think he will make a huge impact, but the difference in his short-term achievements and the long-term ones will prove to be a decisive factor in how he is viewed by the public and in what effect his team has on the American, and global, life. That's just common sense, I know, but what the next six months to one year brings will be so important.

On to the less grand.

Here's a wish: outlaw food coloring.

Think about it. We know that most food coloring is unhealthy; we do not need such chemicals added to our bodies or even passed through our systems when we ingest food.

I don't buy certain cheeses in the U.S. because they are orange. I know that such a color is not natural (I certainly don't see any orange cows or orange milk). And while I admit that there is a certain appreciation to be had in the multiple colors of M & M chocolate peanut candies (one of my favs), I could live without the chemicals as long as the taste remains the same.

So what would change? Food companies would be worried about their bottom line, about how customers would respond to things like clear/white soda, but I think we would see a surge in people shopping for health and taste, versus appearance. Salmon, for example, get their named pinkish color from eating shellfish in the wild, but, becuase they are an increasingly farmed fish (and thus don't grow on the same wild diet), they are fed a chemical coloring because consumers--you and me--supposedly don't want to eat white salmon. That's crap. Give us a year or two and we'll adapt (maybe).

White salmon, white cheese, white soda.

Maybe I should wish for the year of white.

Whatever happens, Happy New Year!