Hot dog contest's in poor taste

What a tragic reflection on society that on a day we celebrate the birth of our nation, we simultaneously hold a contest to see who can force down the greatest number of hot dogs in the most nauseating and offensive manner imaginable ["They are the chompions," News, July 5].

This disgusting display, coupled with Newsday qualifying it as a top story, honestly make me quite angry.

I have always been proud to be American and felt privileged to enjoy our freedoms, yet the attention given to this annual event at a time when such a long list of health issues, obesity in particular, are of epidemic proportions -- not to mention the heartbreaking fact that many of our own neighbors go to bed hungry -- has me questioning my American pride.

Kerry Christine, Manorville