[SentraSE-R]

I don't see any point in expanding the discussion to include the evils of western medicine, especially since average longevity figures validate the efficacy of western medicine. Before the development of antibiotics, insulin, and all those other wussification crutches that certain of you snipe at, our tough societal guts gave us average lifespans that were decades (not just years) shorter. If you disagree, produce some reputable data to support your claim.

Sure, there's a lot of waste in this country and in most "civilized" societies. That waste allows the subject of this thread to eke out a reasonably comfortable living. Obviously the tons of good food and other products that are thrown away daily could and should be put to better use. I took off my FDA hat years ago when I retired, so I'm just one of the boys here, with no reason to promote FDA policies.

But I'm not "fearmongering" to caution you scavengers about the problems you can't see, smell, or taste. It may be worth it to you to dumpster dive for bratwurst. It's not worth it to me, knowing the risks from invisible pathogens. One bout with botulism, and it'll be over for you. Clostridium botulinum produces the most potent toxin known to man, and it does it odorlessly, under anaerobic (i.e. sealed) conditions. With an LD50 of .005ug/kg, 1/30,000,000 (yes, that's one 30 millionth) of an ounce is enough to kill a man. That's not "fearmongering." It's the facts.

I'm as much a zealot for environmental causes as anyone here. I commuted on a bicycle for ten summers. I commuted on motorcycles for most of the 100,000 miles I rode. I vanpooled, carpooled, and rode public transportation. So yes, I certainly see societal problems as a non fed.