Americans are getting fatter and dumber. This trend is very alarming and will have dire impact on our country in terms of productivity, creativity, and long term economic turmoil. Health and education. These are the two most critical issues facing America today. Every day I see the evidence to support my premise. Here's today's news:

According to the Dallas Morning News, the Associated Press reported that research shows the British are healthier than Americans. To wit: "Americans had higher rates of diabetes, heart disease, strokes, lung disease, and cancer - findings that held true no matter what income or education level." The statistics - diabetes among the British 6% compared to 12.5% for Americans; high blood pressure among the British 34% compared to 42% for Americans; and, cancer among the British 5.5% compared to 9.5% for Americans.

Most alarming is the annual cost of health care - $5,200 per person in America, versus $2,600 in England. What's going on here? Well, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out (if there are any left here in the U.S.). It's simple - fish and chips washed down with ale is healthier than a supersized combo number four from McDonald's.

Pierre Cutler
The Sacramento Executive