Breast Feeding Vent

Recently, I learned that the largest purchaser of baby formula is our government through the WIC program to the tune of 850 million in 2010 alone.  A fact that I find surprising especially since breast milk offers the best nutrition for growing babies. And yet, the government chooses to subsidize the purchase of formula for low income mothers in lieu of promoting natural way . While Republicans salivate at the opportunity to cut funding for Medicare and Social Security, I am starting to wonder if politicians really function in the best interest of constituents.

Currently, I myself am 3 weeks into breastfeeding my newborn. While I can not deny that it that requires serious effort, the benefits outweigh the challenges.

There is scientific proof that breastfeeding provides protection against allergies, SIDS, obesity, and also guards the mom against cancer. However, the voice to promote this option to new mothers is strangely silent. Could it be that the lobbyists who campaign on behalf of the infant formula industry have more impact on the decisions that representatives make than actual citizens?

First lady Michelle Obama received negative criticism while attempting to promote healthy eating habits for kids. Political opponents point out that the first lady's recommendation was the equivalent to the government dictating how parents should raise their kids. My question is doesn't the government already do that with laws to protect the safety of children? With childhood diabetes and obesity at an all time high. You would think it would be a no brainer to take steps to slow down the trend. 

I dont know maybe it is just me...But it seems like more often than people like to accept the easy way of doing things. Since when did we become the nation of slackers? Could it be that our government has served to enable behavior rather than making people more self sufficient?