Thank you for pointing out this article! I've often considered purchasing Willett's book "Eat, Drink, and be Healthy" which the article seems to be based on. The Amazon book description includes
"The thing to keep in mind about the USDA Pyramid is that it comes from the Department of Agriculture, the agency responsible for promoting American agriculture, not from the agencies established to monitor and protect our health." According to the article, the USDA is reassessing the pyramid, but it will be 2004 before it is completed!
The article was filled with interesting information, such as "Eating a boiled potato raises blood sugar levels higher than eating the same amount of calories from table sugar." That surprised me. I agree with your statement that the article clearly explained why refined carbs are bad for you.
I think I'll go order the book now!
Willett's Pyramid
USDA Pyramid