David Evans, Quetion 1: Why does Eric Schlosser begin his book with a description of Cheyenne Mountain? Explain.

Eric Schlosser begins his book with an introduction of Cheyenne Mountain because it symbolizes and sums up the message that he is trying to draw attention to with this book. Cheyenne Mountain is a metaphor for his message; on the outside the mountain is a beautiful remnant of unspoiled nature, but beneath the layers of pristine rock lays countless unseen passage ways, buildings, and command centers. This facility is now called the Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station. Designed to withstand direct impact from an atomic bomb, gigantic springs were implemented underneath each building so that it could endure blast waves from thermonuclear strikes. Entrance to the facility is gained through steel blast doors, three foot wide and weighing twenty-five tons each. Restricted to the public this Station is guarded by a heavily armed quick response team to wipe out any intruders. Fifteen hundred workers enter the mountain everyday to maintain and collect vital data from a worldwide network. Within the walls of the mountain there is a medical clinic, dentist's office, fitness center, cafeteria, and millions of gallons of water; enough to be self sustaining for at least one month. Even with all of these commodities the workers still bring back or have fast food delivered. A Domino's deliveryman can be seen making his way up to the most technologically advanced and well guarded military base on the planet almost every night. This illustrates how every niche in the American society is affected by fast food.