Sacrifice isn't something a lot of us truly know about. I admittedly don't, and I certainly hope that I don't ever have to endure anything like that. But, I think if you are forced to, and survive it, then it must make you believe that you are strong enough to handle anything. I wonder what the abject gluttony of this country looks like to someone who has endured a war, or a famine, or something similar. Is is viewed with awe? Disgust? Or maybe something of a combination?
I do know they are incredibly grateful for the opportunities and the abundance the United States has provided. I also know that they get very shaken up when they hear our leaders and citizenry espouse phrases like, "axis of Evil" and if you're not with us you're against us. -to them this sort of rhetoric sounds all too familiar.
My grandparents would be more likely to fault a socioeconomic scenario where food desserts and a flawed welfare system are the culprit. -I'm guessing here, but I'll see them at Christmas and I'll be sure to ask. There is no doubt that we have an obesity problem though. I applaud that the White House is attempting to tackle this issue and bring it in to the light. It's a serious problem and an expensive one from a healthcare perspective. But no need to apologize for the word usage, I might have used even harsher adjectives :)
As for "I guess anything's possible when you lack a conscience", I can't disagree with your choice of words there!! Below is a clip that I remember hearing live. It solidified 2 things for me: 1. I hate Rush Limbaugh, just despise everything he represents. Filthy human being. 2. Diane Rehm is wonderful