Ellen F. Goldberg
Elkins Park
He can't wait for the new Mitt
I can understand Mitt Romney liking Etch A Sketch. Heck, I couldn't put it down when I was kid too. Why are we all aghast when a Romney adviser tells us his primary persona will disappear after he becomes the candidate?
So, folks, get the popcorn out and let's see the new Mitt Romney again this fall. He changes positions more than a GPS that keeps recalculating.
Anthony J. Frascino
Swedesboro, N.J.
Feed the hungry where?
Who would have thought that a little local drama would have national and international appeal? "Hunger Games" stars Philadelphia's homeless, those who want to feed them outdoors, and the mayor who opposes the idea.
Jim Acton
Collegeville
Soda values
Even though a soda tax "is not on his radar screen," Mayor Nutter has said publicly that he's still focused on reducing obesity, urging Philadelphians to eat and drink in moderation. The mayor may be surprised to hear that the soft drink industry agrees with him. In fact, soft drink and beverage companies have been working for years to help families maintain more sensible, balanced diets and make healthier lifestyle choices.
The greater availability of low and no-calorie drinks has contributed to a 23 percent reduction in the average calories per serving since 1998. The innovation of more teas and flavored waters - many of which have zero calories - have given people more chances to find the healthy drink that's right for them.
In Philadelphia and across the country, we cut beverage calories in schools by 88 percent by voluntarily removing full-calorie soft drinks and replacing them with more low-calorie and smaller portion options.
The industry pledged $10 million in support for Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's efforts to expand their obesity awareness and reduction efforts to dozens of new neighborhoods and thousands more families. It is another public-private partnership dedicated to making a real difference and it is on pace to become the foundation for a groundbreaking obesity intervention program - and, it is hoped, a template for cities and communities.
The beverage industry is also encouraging families and children to find time for more physical activity. We've supported Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Healthy Kids Day, the Philadelphia Boys and Girls Clubs and the YMCA.
Francis X. McGorry
President, Philadelphia Beverage
Association
