Schrodinger's Kittie

Sometimes I really think our government needs a serious overhaul…ok, most of the time I think it needs more than just a boot in its butt.  It needs to be kicked to the curb and a reminder of what it was the original settlers were gunning for needs to be brought to bear.  We’re losing our freedoms one bit at a time.  And the sad thing is, most people embrace it/don’t care/don’t even see it happening.  Point in case:

Something that has been used as a dietary supplement in China for a millennium¹ (red yeast rice) – and has consistently proven it’s efficacy and safety¹ – is not allowed to be sold undiluted in the US due to the FDA. Red Yeast Rice reduces bad cholesterol by up to 23% without any other dietary changes²…yet, the FDA has made it illegal for it to be sold in the US as a supplement or food additive (it’s used as the colourant in Peking duck and other Chinese dishes) unless all but trace amounts of the cholesterol lowering substances are removed¹.

Their reasoning is that it could contraindicate with the cholesterol lowering medications people are already taking. Let’s think about this for a moment. There are already plenty of drugs out there that cannot be taken with certain foods; however, you do not see grapefruit or grapefruit juice³ being removed from the US market. If contraindication were a valid concern (and, one they really wanted to stand on) they would have to remove any substance in the US market that could potentially contraindicate any medication possibly prescribed in the US. This has not, as of this date, happened. Thus, this supposed concern is nullified.

What about the second reason the FDA banned the supplement if it had the normal levels of cholesterol reducing substances? The second reason provided is just…it dismays me. The FDA claims that the supplement is a new, unapproved drug¹. Those of us who have been pursuing more homeopathic forms of health care have seen this happening with so many supplements and herbs^4,5 that is dismays and frustrates us.

For those of you who immediately go searching for “red yeast rice” on your favorite search engine: Yes, you will get a ton of hits that say they are “red yeast rice” supplements and are sold at places like GNC, CVS, Walgreens, etc. However, please note what was said in this post was not that red yeast rice is not sold as a supplement in the US. What was stated – and, the most important thing to note – is that red yeast rice containing more than trace amounts of cholesterol lowering substances is not allowed to be sold in the US. This means that the potential benefit of taking red yeast rice is obliterated unless you purchase your supplement from outside the US. There are three main red yeast rice productions: Zhitai, Cholestin or Hypocol, and Xuezhikang¹.

Unfortunately, many of the supplements in the US get this “water it down” treatment from the FDA.  While it is obvious that there are definitely potential contraindications between some foods/supplements and manufactured medications, it should be clear that – just as with grapefruit – these contraindications should be made clear to the patient and then let the chips fall where they may.  The US has become a place where any idiot can win a lawsuit against someone else – when the actual accountability should be on the idiot⁶.  For those of you who fail to know what I am talking about – please take a moment and read the citation below.

Instead of enforcing personal responsibility and accountability, the nation has reared a generation (going on two at this point) of spoiled, self-centered brats who wouldn’t know personal responsibility if it bit them on the nose.  And, that’s just where they want the general populace.  Because a populace that is more concerned about themselves and their own little world doesn’t wake up and look around and start holding people accountable for their actions.  A populace that is more absorbed in what they can get out of something doesn’t pay attention when more and more liberties are stripped away.  Afterall…the government is just doing it for our own good.  Safety belts must be fastened by all occupants of a vehicle or you will be fined, because it’s against the law.  Why is it against the law?  Because studies say that more people survive car accidents if they have their saftey belts fastened.  Ok…so, the people who want to take the risk of what it potentially means to not fasten their saftey belts are not allowed the freedom of choice. Darwin gets circumvented (which I think is a real shame sometimes).  It doesn’t impact anyone else if they do or do not fasten their safety belt.  It’s a personal choice with personal consequences.  And, yet, the government has stepped in “for their own good”.

The same with homeopathy.  The excuses given for why the beneficial substances are not allowed to be sold in the US just don’t hold up. If it did, even more stringent restrictions will soon be coming our way.  Oh?  That grapefruit you love?  You can’t have it.  It’s potentially contraindicated for those on XYZ medication³.  Oh, you aren’t on that medication?  Tough.  It’s for your own good, you understand…You don’t think it could happen?  Raw milk is a very nutritious part of a healthy diet.  Yet, you cannot get it the United States of America.  That’s correct.  It’s banned⁷.  Just as undiluted/unaltered red yeast rice is banned.

Where will it end?  Well, the sad truth is – it won’t.  Not until people wake up and start pushing back at the overbearing government that is pushing itself more and more into our everyday lives.  Training our children to stand up and account for themselves and to think for themselves is but one step in the effort to push against the incoming tide.  And, I’m very afraid that it is much, much too late.  The dam has burst and the incoming wave just might drown us all.

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Works Cited

1. Lee, Dennis, and Jay W. Marks. “Red Yeast Rice: Cholesterol Lowering Supplement on MedicineNet.com.” Medicine Net. Ed. William C. Shiel, Jr. Web. 11 Nov. 2010. [http://www.medicinenet.com/red_yeast_rice_and_cholesterol/article.htm].
2. “Cut Your Risk for Heart Attack.” Natural Health Newsletter (11 Nov. 2010). Trusted Health Products. 11 Nov. 2010. Web. 11 Nov. 2010. [http://www.trustedhealthproducts.com].
3. “Grapefruit Juice Can Interact With Medicines.” WebMD – Better Information. Better Health. Web. 11 Nov. 2010. [http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/grapefruit-juice-and-medication].
4. “FDA Warning Letter to Dynamic Nutritional Associates.” Casewatch. 6 Nov. 2009. Web. 11 Nov. 2010. [http://www.casewatch.org/fdawarning/prod/2009/dynamic.shtml].
5. “FDA Regulations on Homeopathy.” About Holistic Healing – Body Mind Spirit – Chakras – Energy Medicine. Web. 11 Nov. 2010. [http://healing.about.com/od/homeopathy/a/homeopathy_fact_4.htm].
6. “Liebeck v. McDonald’s Restaurants.” Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 11 Nov. 2010. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liebeck_v._McDonald's_Restaurants].
7. “Banned Food – US Banned Foods List – Delish.com.” Delish. 11 Nov. 2010 [http://www.delish.com/food-fun/banned-food].

I find it interesting that while I mentioned to many that this was my first ‘real’ wedding it never occurred to anyone that I meant that literally. Not only was it /my/ first real wedding; but, it was the first ‘real’ wedding I had ever attended.  Thus,  you can only imagine my dismay when I was informed by Mike and my father that there would be no rehearsal.  Goodness knows the two of them knew what they were doing.  I mean, Mike’s only been married more times than Solomon had wives  **snickers, ducks and runs**, and Daddy’s having been a minister for more years than Methuselah lived **scampers even faster**….yeah, yeah I love to pick on them.  Regardless, between and betwixt everyone else involved in the wedding, it was a no brainer. Except for THE BRIDE.  Ugh.  You want to talk about nerve wracking?  Yeah…I just grabbed hold of Daddy and put my trust in him and in Mike. 

Jane Ellen started the opening to the bridal march, and the doors opened – and, there were my friends and my wonderful family.  And, at the altar waiting for me was my sweetie.  As we got closer, I realized he had tears in his eyes.  He’s really a big softy under all that ‘old-curmudgeon’ exterior; but, don’t tell him I told you so.  **smiles**  Seeing him so happy had me nearly getting teary eyed.  And, as Daddy handed me over to Mike for the vows and all that good stuff, I felt that surreal feeling that I still stumble over when it dawns on me that I’m actually married. 

The minister went through the typical ceremony; and, then opted to toss in a bit of a lecture given the fact that Mike and I have been married a few times before.  When it came time for us to exchange the vows we had written for each other, Mike had to pause and clear his throat because he was getting choked up.  I felt so close to tears myself that I just had to change up the vows a touch when I said them…and, thus managed to make myself laugh…which I needed in order to keep the tears at bay. 

I absolutely love our vows…so much so, that I’m going to share them with you: 

I, Kili, ask you, Mike, to be my partner, my lover, my best friend and my husband.  I declare my commitment to give you my deepest friendship and love.  Not only when your moments are high, but when they are low.  Not only when you remember clearly who you are, but when you forget.  Not only when you are acting with love, but when you are not.  I further declare, before God and those present that I will seek always to see the light of God within you and seek always to share the light of God within me.  Even, and especially in whatever moments of darkness may come.  I commit to being with you forever in a holy partnership of the soul, that we may do, together, God’s work. Sharing all that is good within us with all those whose lives we touch. 

I also quacked at Mike like a duck when I tried to slip his wedding band on.  Amusingly, the ring is very snug over his knuckle, so he had to get pretty rough with it to get it solidly on.  The minister made the comment along the lines of, “Well, that’s not coming off.”  We all got a good chuckle out of it.  That’s one thing that moved me…there was so much laughter through our wedding.  Especially when the minister said he would take the minister’s prerogative and Mike pipes up with, “You aren’t going to kiss her, are you?”  The minister laughed and pointed to his wife and said she’d box his ears if he did. 

As the ceremony wrapped up, we didn’t do a recessional.  Instead, we turned around, the minister announced us as husband and wife, and then said grace over the potluck…and, then we made a beeline to the cake – mmmmmm the cake.  

I have always preferred red-velvet.  It’s my absolute favorite…but, whatever Charlotte did with hers just took it up a notch.  And, the live lilies on it were so pretty and so perfect.  It was wonderful! 

Even better, though, was looking around and seeing everyone so happy.  There was so much laughter and chatter – even my brother in law who is Mr. Silent most of the time was chattering away with my friend Gordon and his wife Kelly. My son looking so happy and so serious at the same time.  He even took a moment to let Mike know he’d have to answer to my son if he hurt me.  It made me laugh and feel so very touched at the same time. 

I had cousins who showed up that I had not seen in around 17 years!  It was wonderful to get to see them, though I didn’t get to visit with them nearly as much as I wanted since they all disappeared while we were doing the photos.  But, still, just to have had them there meant the world.  And, the gals from the quilting group who showed up, and…it was just wonderful.  It meant so much to have my family and friends about me – all of them getting on like a house on fire, even with all their divergent political and religious views. 

I’m one very, very blessed gal.

Sunday morning started slow and easy.  Beautiful skies and unseasonably cool temperatures thanks to Hurricane Earl and the disruption of the normal sweltering crock pot known as the South.  Who would have ever thought I would be thanking a hurricane for an absolutely perfect day for getting married?

The sky was baby blue, with nary a cloud in sight; and, the temperature for the day was supposed to hit a high that was to be significantly cooler than the normal, sweltering Southern heat.  Add to that that the humidity levels were oddly comforting rather than oppressive, and you couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day – and, the morning held all that promise out like a peace offering for the difficulty getting to this point had posed.

Debbie and I sat out on the patio for a while and just enjoyed the morning – and, Debbie learned that humming birds make noise.  They chatter at you, particularly if you are too close to ‘their’ feeder.   It was so cute, seeing the look on her face as she took in the presence that is Possum Bottom.  Photos can’t quite do the place justice.  There is a presence to it that makes you feel like you have taken a step out of time.  All the ‘ugh’ that you pull off the road with sloughs away as you wind down the drive, through the trees and into the opening where the house sits.  Like the cobwebs of worry and stress are wiped away by a loving hand and you are enveloped in a cloak of peace and relaxation.  It was wonderful to get to see my friend being able to be comforted by the anchor of my life – my home.

While she wandered around and oohed and aahed, I went back into the house and puttered.  It was just exactly what I needed to unwind and relax.  Oh, there was plenty still to do – but, for this bit of time in the morning, it was time to relax and just revel in being home.

Around ten or so, we set to work ironing my dress.  I will never again pick on myself for being cautious about some things…Debbie and I decided to put a towel between the iron and the dress – just as an additional safety measure.  Silk can be a little temperamental.  Oh thank goodness we did!  For the first time ever, Mama’s iron spit out rust tainted water.  Had that hit my dress – my white, silk dress – I’d have hit the floor in a faint.  Ok, maybe not – maybe so.  It would have been close, either way.

We got the worst of the wrinkles out of the dress and headed up to the church to get the decorations set up. As we hit the main road, there were Gordon and Kelly arriving.  It made me so happy to see them!  They had stayed the previous night in Biloxi and were heading on after the wedding to visit another relation out in Georgia…so, I actually didn’t feel quite so bad about how far they had to come to be at my wedding.  Just like Debbie finally got to visit her mom after several years of not making it over (her mom’s in Alabama, too).

I jumped out and gave them a hug and told them to head on down to the house, that Mike and Jaz were there.  I was very glad to discover that Mike and Gordon hit it off.  Then again, Gordon’s a pretty awesome kinda guy – which is why my father greeted him as the ‘son [he] never had’.  Anyway, we went on down to the fellowship hall and started setting up, and the lady who helps take care of the grounds showed up and started scrounging the church for flowers.  Amazingly, the flowers that were in the church that weekend were exactly in the colour scheme we had going already with the few flowers we had put together.  It worked out perfectly.

As we were setting up, I noticed Daddy was looking a bit unwell.  Mama told me he had taken her meds that morning.  That is very much not a good thing, so we were all keeping an eye on him to make sure he didn’t pass out (Mama is on a few meds that could have that side effect on people who don’t need to take them).  Everything was coming together very nicely – the music was Celtic jigs and the tables and vines and flowers were looking beautiful.  A great amount of food was brought, but not too much.  The wonderful thing about a potluck, that.  But, the cake wasn’t there…and the ceremony was due to start in thirty minutes.  I started worrying that she might have gotten lost on the way down. Did I mention we were in the middle of nowhere Alabama?  I had to start getting ready, so Daddy went off toward the house to find Charlotte’s cell number and see if he could reach her…which had me worried.  The state he was in, I wasn’t at all thrilled with him driving.  But, Daddy is Daddy and…well, you just kinda stand back and let him roll.

About ten minutes or so before the ceremony was due to begin, up rolls Charlotte and her sweetie Jim – with the lovely cake.  A few minute later, there came Daddy back from the house.  It seems Charlotte had, indeed, gotten a little turned around on the way to the church, bless her heart.  But, wow!  The cake was beautiful, and exactly right for the occasion.  I couldn’t have asked for better than what she provided.  A lovely red-velvet cake with butter-cream icing.  Just thinking about it, now, makes me want to raid my mother’s freezer for the bit we saved so I can have more.  I’ve never in my life had red-velvet with butter-cream.  It has always been red-velvet with sour cream icing.  The change up was unexpected and a perfect blend.

But now everyone was at the church, the food and cake were all in place and my friends and family were getting settled…it had all come together – and no one was struck by lightning and no other catastrophe had befallen anyone or anything…this was really going to happen.  No last minute backing out had occurred, no one had fallen over in a faint (though that was still a minor possibility)…but, for now – everyone was present and accounted for…even Hurricane Earl.