Large portion sizes at fast-food restaurants
Re: “Smart fast-food test to ID healthier items,” April 10 editorial.
Regarding McDonald’s new nutrition initiatives, I applaud the monster chain for trying to put well-balanced, figure-friendly options on the menu, but this is clearly not a solution to the larger problem at hand. As a nursing student at the University of California, San Francisco, I have learned a great deal about the diabetes epidemic we face in this country and the growing concern we should have about childhood obesity. Type II diabetes is now being reported in school-aged children, and we need to be vigilant in the fight to teach these children about proper nutrition, health choices, and the importance of fun daily physical activity.
Although McDonald’s reported in 2004 that the “super size” portions would be phased out of their menu, the ridiculously large portion size remains, albeit without the infamous “super size” label in many locations. The truth is McDonald’s has taken no action to reduce the portion sizes of their fast food. Portion size has steadily grown since the 1970s, and the portions offered at McDonald’s are no different. French fries continue to be offered with each meal, as well as reduced-priced soda beverages. Until McDonald’s takes the active stance to eliminate such enormous portion sizes from their menu, can we really expect to see a difference in diners’ overall health?
Casey Madison, Denver
Why not imitate success at middle schools?
Re: “DPS: Middle schools are in ‘neglect,”‘ April 6 news story.
So, DPS middle schools are failing and all but three of 15 traditional buildings have fewer than half of their students reading at grade level.
In the business world, this would call for an investigation of the three successful schools to see how they’re delivering curriculum and then to replicate their successful programs.
Hamilton Middle School, which consistently receives “high” ratings on its state report cards, is one of the three successful schools. At Hamilton, teams of teachers meet every day to focus on students achievement and concerns. There is a culture of learning at Hamilton, and parent involvement is encouraged. Homework is assigned, and personal best effort is expected. Schoolwide commitment to reading and writing programs prepares students for the rigors of high school.
It is not the middle-school model that is failing. Hamilton Middle School has proven this. The absence of a culture of learning in the failing schools is the likely culprit.
Karen Libby, Denver
The continued U.S. occupation of Iraq
Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has called on his Mahdi army to unify their efforts against “the occupiers” rather than against “the sons of Iraq,” highlighting the primary cause of continuing violence both in Baghdad, and across Iraq: the continued occupation of that country by the U.S. military.
Meanwhile, Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., has gone on the record as saying that if President Bush vetoes the supplemental funding legislation for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, certain parts of the bill might be removed, “because we’re going to fund the troops.”
The past several years of the Bush presidency, with a Republican-controlled Congress catering to his every whim, have led the president to believe that he has imperial powers. Seeing Congress attempt to check and balance Bush on his war power is a welcome change.
However, I find it troubling to see members of the Democratic leadership speaking the way Levin now is, as if preparing to roll over and give the president what he wants. Have they forgotten the mandate they were given in November 2006? I think it’s high time that the Democratic leadership heed the call of the American people and get us out of Iraq now!
Daniel Laurino, Fort Collins
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Letter-writers Brian Stuckey and Frank Galmish, who demean those opposed to sticking it out in Iraq indefinitely until we win the war, ignore a now-obvious reality (April 10 Open Forum). The sectarian war in Iraq can never be “won” by the American military, certainly not by the number of troops we have available now or for the foreseeable future absent a draft. As it is, our military is being used up and sucked dry at an accelerating rate. The best we can do, the small surge of the Bush plan, amounts to no more than a drop in the bucket.
While it is unlikely that any number of American troops could end the sectarian conflict and leave behind a secure government in Iraq after our eventual departure, the past four years have clearly demonstrated that the number we are willing and able to commit definitely cannot. All they can do is move from one temporary success to another while violence flares anew in their wake.
The fact that our warriors can’t achieve the impossible is no reflection on them or their honor, but our insisting that they keep sacrificing themselves in the attempt reflects very poorly on us. Rejecting policy based on ignoring the facts is not defeatism. It is sanity.
Felice Sage, Littleton
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In the April 10 edition, Denver and the West section, page 2B, there is a news brief reporting the deaths of two Fort Carson soldiers in Iraq. Have we become so desensitized to the deaths of our soldiers that this minimal coverage was deemed sufficient? This insane war must be brought to an end, and ASAP. If Congress, George Bush and Dick Cheney met in Baghdad rather than Washington, with a daily humvee inspection trip to the airport, the war would be over immediately. As long as their privileged behinds are safe in comfortable chairs, I’m afraid this miserable war will continue to drag on and on.
Frederick Gersten, Laramie, Wyo.
Denver’s homeless
Re: “What about homeless?” April 10 Open Forum.
In his recent letter about Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper’s homeless program, Robert L. Love has fallen into the misconception that the citizens of Denver and Colorado are responsible for his ability to have a “truly good and dignified life.”
Mr. Love, if you have time and the ability to write a letter to the editor about a program attempting to help individuals in need, when you are yourself homeless, wouldn’t your time be better spent finding a job so you could provide yourself with housing instead of looking to a government program for assistance?
It amazes me how many individuals believe that the government is there to provide for them. That is not the purpose of government. We, as a compassionate people, are providing assistance to those truly in need, showing the generosity of our society, not a free-for-all giveaway to everyone.
I support the mayor’s plan and pray for its success for individuals truly in need. I would encourage all residents of Denver to get on board. Instead of giving that dollar to the person standing on the street corner with a sign, send a check for $10 to the mayor’s office for this honorable program.
Frank Fredericks, Denver
Illegal immigration
It seems to me that rallies in opposition to illegal immigration are often met with accusations of racism. I wholeheartedly disagree with these misdirected accusations. I believe many people of Hispanic heritage who oppose regulated immigration would feel differently if America were to experience a massive wave of illegal immigrants not of Hispanic heritage. If this were to occur, I believe many people of Hispanic heritage would then be opposed to illegal immigration. In contrast, I am convinced that I would continue to oppose illegal immigration regardless of race or nationality because my reasons for doing so are based on principle and America’s best interest. Am I to believe that other countries have a right and responsibility to regulate immigration and secure their borders but America does not?
Michael D. Smith, Lakewood
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