NYT features snacking op-ed

I enjoyed today's New York Times op-ed on the proliferation of unhealthy snacking during children's activities. But given that we're losing the war in Iraq, North Korea just tested a nuclear bomb, Iran is actively developing one, and there's a national election in just a few days, is now the time to be running op-eds about children's snacks?

Comments

[Mark D.]

Call me a (health) nut, but yes, I think this is a worthwhile op-ed piece, even given the foreign policy issues at hand. The New York Times Editorial Board put out some thoughtful propositions earlier in the week regarding the overall strategies in Iraq, and heaven knows how many speculative articles have been written about the impending elections. While nuclear proliferation is a pressing issue (especially its potential consequences beyond the two states in question,) it should be overly obvious that this country has some serious eating problems that contribute to heart failure, diabetes, obesity, and premature death. I'm all for us talking about our eating habits, especially when it comes to the poor examples we're setting for our kids.

[glenstein]

It seems like arguing for the priority of one issue or another is a dead end. What is our metric for how sufficiently covered an issue is? I have to agree with Brendan though. Perhaps in this case, the fact that we are still in Iraq is a good enough reason to dedicate every inch of column space to wondering why. I'm willing to let there be a few more fat people if that's the price.