By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers   Published Nov 09, 2008 at 2:35 PM

It’s been a heavy week of politics, so this week’s Sound-off asks a lighter, fluffier question: are bagel shops passé? Are they an old concept that’s on its way out, or are bagel shops like Einstein’s and Bruegger’s as popular as ever?

Sound-off, Milwaukee, about your bagel shop thoughts by using the Talkback feature.

Bagel shops are out. People are more health conscious these days and don’t want to load up on the unavoidable carbs and fat in a bagel "schmear." Bagels are just a little icing away from being donuts, and most people know this and would prefer to spend their allotted calories on other food or drink items.

Bagel shops still rock. The convenience of bagel shops still makes them the top choice for a fast food choice that's not a traditional "fast food" like McDonald's. You cannot beat the taste of a bagel sandwich, or just a bagel with cream cheese and coffee, and therefore bagel shops will be around for decades to come.