Beverage industry has joined war on obesity

Editor:

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Your recent article ("'A lot of momentum on fitness, obesity," Dec. 12, 2012), deserves clarification for your readers. One of the coalition's recommendations for creating a healthier state is to "ban sales of soda pop in high schools." Your readers should be aware that in 2010, the beverage industry delivered on a three-year voluntary commitment with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, founded by the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation, to remove full-calorie sodas from schools.

A discriminatory ban will do nothing to teach consumers about the importance of balance and moderation. And importantly, a ban is not needed. We have already voluntarily removed full calorie soft drinks from schools in West Virginia and across the country, and replaced them with smaller portion sizes, more low- and no-calorie options. Through our School Beverage Guidelines initiative, we cut the total amount of beverage calories shipped to schools across the country by 90 percent.

Obesity is a complex problem that requires comprehensive solutions. The beverage industry is doing its part, and we hope to collaborate with those seeking meaningful solutions.

Larry Swann, President

West Virginia Beverage Association

Charleston

MTV can't see the good in West Virginia

Editor:

I'm writing this letter concerning the new reality show "Buckwild" that displays to young people of West Virginia is a terrible say. Growing up in West Virginia you meet many young people who are troubled by the stereotype the rest of the company has given us. There is so much focus on teenagers who party, have sex, fight and represent West Virginia in a limiting, inaccurate way.

It has come to my attention the shows on MTV never display a successful story. MTV never shows the true success of our state.  Emily Cochran from West Virginia who is only 15 years old skipped a grade, taken both SATs and ACTs twice and has had amazing scores. And this is only one example of the intelligence and determination you can find in West Virginia. If they take another look maybe they'll see the real West Virginia.

Kirsten Williams

Seth 

Book drive will benefit children

Editor:

I believe the Dawn Miller's article about the children's book drive is very important. As a day-care worker I see the happiness and joy books bring to children of all ages. Some children don't get to experience having books to read or having books of their own. Every child should have the opportunity to read books and also own a few. Books help children learn and develop in many ways. This book drive is a good idea. Thank you,

Tina Taylor

Elkview

Gazette urged to endorse Hagel

Editor:

Chuck Hagel's foreign policy positions pretty much match those of The Charleston Gazette.  He will face stiff opposition by the War Party because of his views.  He will need the support of both West Virginia senators.

Will The Charleston Gazette endorse and support Hagel, despite his being a Republican?

I hope so.

David N. Ryan

Spencer

The right to keep and bear arms

Editor:

Once again guns are to blame for the crime in this nation. Guns do not have minds, fingers, or the ability to walk or run, the person who holds such a weapon is responsible for the shootings.

We who choose to have a firearm in our home or on our person are covered by the Second Amendment of the United States of America, not only to protect ourselves against anyone who tries to do us with bodily harm and our own government. Let us get it straight, this is a power play. "We The People" know it, and you know it, too.

Now what would you tell this mother of two about this: An Atlanta mom took matters into her own hands on Friday when confronting an intruder. The unidentified woman hid with her 9-year-old twins in a crawlspace as a man broke into her house and began rummaging through it. The alleged burglar, Paul Ali Slater, eventually found the family's hiding space, but not before finding himself staring down the barrel of a .38 revolver. The woman fired six shots, five of which hit Slater in the face and neck, but he managed to flee after the family and ran to a neighbor's house. She did not have the right to protect herself and her children? Three people saved and one dumb jerk in the hospital, because he chose the wrong house.

Milagros J. Lyons

Oak Hill