Letters to the editor Aug. 11

Childhood obesity threatens national security

As a former head of the Nevada National Guard, I am concerned that at least nine million young adults - 27 percent of all young Americans age 17 to 24 - are too overweight or obese to join the military. This includes tens of thousands of overweight young adults in Nevada. Being overweight or obese has become the No. 1 medical reason why young men and women are unable to serve in the military, according to the Defense Department.

The obesity issue has become so serious from a national security perspective that I have joined more than 150 retired generals and admirals in calling on Congress to move quickly to pass child nutrition legislation. Recently I met with Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid along with two other retired generals to emphasize the need to fight child obesity and expand the pool of young adults qualified for military service.

While we cannot, and should not, legislate the choices that parents make at home with their children, we can do much more at school to eliminate junk food from our cafeteria lines, nourish more kids who need healthful meals and motivate them and their parents to adopt healthful eating and exercise habits.

The Senate Agriculture Committee, the panel responsible for managing child nutrition issues, passed a strong child nutrition bill in March with unanimous support. We need to pass this bill now to get out in front of the obesity problem before it further damages our nation's security.

Maj. Gen. Drennan

Anthony Clark

Reno

Angle critic falls for Reid's false advertising

I would like to comment on a letter to the editor submitted by a Frank Johnston that appeared in the July 28 issue of the Nevada Appeal, if I may.

Mr. Johnston stated that Sharron Angle does not follow Jesus' example, and I find his statement to be very interesting, to say the least.

It is evident that he has formed his opinion based entirely on the various Harry Reid political commercials that have been spouting every kind of blown-up, erroneous and outrageous junk about Sharron Angle by taking what she has said at various times out of context.

Typical Harry Reid, I say. Harry is the prince of double talk and of smoke and mirrors. Have you ever written Sen. Reid and asked clear and concise questions only to receive replies that don't answer your questions in any way, shape or form? I have, and trust me, if you do get a reply it will never give you a straight answer, ever.

I will say, though, that both Angle and Reid really need to stop with the misleading political TV ads that are stomping each other and begin giving all of us clear, concise statements about their actions when elected.

Donald McDermott

Carson City