Whatever happened to dinner parties, part 2, OR Cooking with Monsanto

In my last post I talked about how gatherings around food seem to be becoming a thing of the past.  I admit, whole heartedly I could be, and I sincerely hope that, I am wrong.  Truth be told that whole post was something of a digression.  My initial thoughts as I started writing were about the endless posts and email forwards that turn up in my inbox and news feed about this dietary fear or fad, GMOs and organic food, among other fear mongering and band wagonning.  I read some of the articles, most I ignore, especially if the head line seems designed to generate fear or pointless controversy.

I have not formed a strong opinion either way.  It seems to me the pendulum has simply swung too far, and to quote Alexander Pope, "A little learning is a dangerous thing;/ drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:/ there shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,/ and drinking largely sobers us again" .  The internet has given us an endless supply of thoughts and proofs to support our opinions, and common sense seems to have faded into the shadows.
Please don't get me wrong.  I understand real allergies and their devastating effects.  Then again I have never seen someone with an allergy campaign against seafood or nuts or anything else as a food source for the rest of us.  And to the vegans and gluten-free, dairy-free, whatever-free, I'm glad you have found a way to feel good and stay healthy.  If it is working for you, more power to you.  But please don't insist it is the only option.  I like bread and milk and cheese.  And steak.  And chocolate and coffee.  And I'm not going to give them up.  
I have had high blood pressure for years, and have recently been diagnosed with diabetes.  The blood pressure is largely under control, thanks to pharmaceuticals, and likely has a very strong genetic component, knowing my personal history.  I had gestational diabetes with all three of my babies, it really was a matter of time before this diagnosis was handed down.  I am fully aware my dietary choices have impacted this as well, and I have done a lot of reading about said choices both before and since.  And yet I want to live my life with all its incumbent pleasures.  I want to go out for dinner with my friends and eat what I am hungry for without making them feel badly about their choices.

Anyway.  My point was this:  With all these fears and phobias rattling the windowpanes, with everyone and their dog having this sensitivity or that intolerance it has become nearly impossible to throw a dinner party.  I confess there are foods I do not enjoy, but if you ask me to dinner and these things are on the menu I will quietly move the tomatoes and cucumbers to the edge of my plate, or eat them with a forkful of something else.  The world won't end.   If you ask me to dinner I will check my calendar and say thank you, I'd love to come.  And can I bring dessert?