The big news of yesterday was the Supreme Court ruling on health care. As I was traveling, however, from 11:30AM until 7PM - I was not able to stay on top of all the coverage and analysis. So - nothing on that until I educate myself more.
Nevertheless, due to the miracles of our time, I was able to read a bit on one of my flights. This story popped up on Drudge, and my immediate reaction was: "Oh, great. Now the First Lady wants to ban television!"
When I read all of it, however, I couldn't help but think to myself, "Michele Obama is correct about all this."
First lady Michelle Obama is growing worried about poorly-educated, obese black children, comparing their lifestyle-driven challenges to the Jim Crow era.
Speaking to the African Methodist Episcopal Church Conference at Opryland Thursday, she heralded the civil rights battles for paving progress for African-Americans. But, she added, "today, while there are no more 'whites only' signs keeping us out, no one barring our children from the schoolhouse door, we know our journey is far from finished."
The new hurdle? Bad schools, unhealthy diet, unsafe neighborhoods. The solution: diet, exercise and turning the TV off.
"I mean, what exactly do you do about children who are languishing in crumbling schools, graduating from high school unprepared for college or a job? And what about the 40 percent of black children who are overweight or obese, or the nearly one in two who are on track to develop diabetes in their lifetimes?" she said.
"What about all those kids growing up in neighborhoods where they don't feel safe; kids who never have opportunities worthy of their promise? What court case do we bring on their behalf? What laws do we pass for them?" she added.
With no laws to use to change habits, she told the crowd it's up to them to help the new generation succeed.
"Change absolutely starts with each of us, as individuals, taking responsibility for ourselves and our families because we know that our kids won't grow up healthy until our families start eating right and exercising more. That's on us," she said. "We know that we won't close that education gap until we turn off the TV, and supervise homework, attend those parent-teacher conferences, and serve as good role models for our own children."
Frankly, I applaud the First Lady for almost all her comments. I agree that parents need to do whatever they can to see that their children have healthy lifestyles and that the parents do indeed serve as top notch role models for their children. I don't believe that we can pass laws to force people to "do the right thing" - but - otherwise, kudos to Mrs. Obama for exhorting people to do the best they can under their circumstances.
Much to criticize in this world. When someone gets most of it right, however - give the woman her due!
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