It appears the Times Union in its editorial "Obesity rate needs action," July 28, is demanding government action to stop childhood obesity. I think it's the last thing we need is more government. You can't equate this to the war on smoking.
What do you have in mind: A war on food? When school cafeterias switch to the new favored diet plan, they wind up with most of it going in the garbage. There are fewer lunches sold because students start bringing lunches again. Each kid has a parent, parents or a guardian — it's their job, not yours and not the health and safety police. Kids don't just eat at school. If there is a gas-and-go at the bus stop, they can get all the sweets they want. You can't control what they eat at home.
Start gym class again? I got stuck with a bunch of former drill instructors when I was young. Kids don't need organized sports as much as they need to come up with their own games. Get a couple of kids together and they will think of something. They can use their imagination.
Government can't solve all your problems. The war on smokers created gross inequality in the country with smokers being second-class citizens. Do you really want to do that to kids? Demonize the chubby? Insane.
Mark Suthers
Clifton Park