LETTERS: Palin, soda tax and more
Palin's rhetoric does not impress . . .
It would be quite a stretch to elevate Sarah Palin's rhetoric to even the lowest level of platitude . Her constant references to love of country, terrorism, transparency in government and real Americans are the mainstays of demagoguery.
No new ideas, no specific suggestions, only condescending accusations with nary a fact to support them. What a waste of time!
Roy Lawrence
Syosset
. . . but neither does Obama's performance
Walt Handelsman feels Sarah Palin is not ready to be president. Neither was Barack Obama, and how's that workin' out for ya, Walt?
Lou Raio
Soda tax promotes healthy choices
New Yorkers Against Unfair Taxes have gotten a lot of attention for opposing Gov. David A. Paterson's proposal to tax sugar-sweetened beverages at a penny an ounce, and dedicate the funding to health care . This "coalition of citizens and business groups" is supported by the beverage industry. They claim the tax would dig into your pocket. Well, adult obesity costs $7.6 billion a year in health care, with most of that funded by taxes.
A six-pack of soda has about 60 teaspoons of sugar. No calcium, no protein. The tax would raise the price for a six-pack by 72 cents. Don't want to pay the tax? Buy skim milk, and tell the kids to drink tap water as well.
Some claim a soda tax is regressive. What's really regressive are economic policies that have made fruits and vegetables more expensive over time, while sugar and corn syrup in sweet drinks have become cheaper.
In New York, 60 percent of adults and 35 percent of children are obese or overweight. Children can't see that a couple hundred extra calories a day from sugary soda can turn them into chubby teens and then obese adults. That's unfair.
The proposed tax won't affect diet drinks, milk or pure fruit or vegetable juices. Instead, it's an incentive for people to make a healthier choice. Now that's fair.
Albany
Editor's note: The writer is New York State Commissioner of Health.
'Health' proposals are misguided
While House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is trying to push through a bill that focuses on health care when it should focus on health, Gov. David A. Paterson is trying to tax sugared soft drinks when he should outlaw artificial sweeteners because they are so much more damaging than real sugar.
Politicians either have no knowledge or no will to make wise decisions that are truly in the people's best interests.
Dr. Jan Wade Gilbert
Editor's note: The writer is a dentist.
Controlling junk food removes freedoms
Reports that the Obama administration is seeking to remove junk food from school vending machines and cafeterias are deeply troubling to anyone who is concerned about our government's respect for individual liberty.
School administrators and teachers are charged with educating our children about science, English, math and history. They are not seven-hour-per-day parents, and so, they are not responsible for ensuring one's child is embracing a healthful lifestyle.
There is nothing wrong with allowing students to select between a chocolate bar and a granola bar, or a sugary soda and skim milk. When politicians seek to ban so-called junk food from schools, though, the government aspires not only to usurp parents, but also to be everyone's perpetual kindergarten teacher.
People should be free to consume whatever they want. And they should be able to exercise that choice without mindless government finger-wagging about caloric content.
Dan Ferrisi
Race argument was way off base
Here is yet another ivory- tower liberal telling us that minorities can't get along without government help . How racist is that?
Blaming corporate marketing for minority obesity is like blaming automobile marketing for car crashes. These companies exist to make money and they care not who spends it. They may target certain groups, but they always try to find their market niche to maximize profit.
People know fast food is supposed to be an occasional treat. If they choose to abuse it, it is none of government's business.
Jon Deitch
Payroll tax break won't boost hires
While you mean well, your editorial about eliminating the payroll tax for new hires shows how out of touch Sen. Charles Schumer is .
Perhaps if he worked in the private sector instead of getting a paycheck provided by the federal government, he would understand. As a private businessman for 35 years, I will only hire someone when there is an actual need and then I will only hire the best person available.
To think that I would hire someone because of any sort of tax or payroll credit is laughable. The state and federal government already tax the private business person to death, but what would Schumer know about that?
Ron Baron
Suit is just a waste of taxpayers' money
The Huntington Town Board has to be kidding me. They want to sue William Naughton for not following hiring procedures, even though town spokesman A.J. Carter says it's likely his request would be granted if he had gone to the board.
So instead of putting eight people to work and telling him he has to follow procedures like everyone else, they are going to pay, or should I say we are going to pay, attorneys to sue him and defend him. No wonder our taxes are so high.
Unfair to judge doctor for one impulsive act
There is no question that Dr. Erica Katz engaged in insensitive behavior when photographing a cadaver and posting it on Facebook . However, it is clear from her heartfelt apology that she understands that she used poor judgment and truly regrets her actions.
There is no reason to further punish her or jeopardize her career; the embarrassment of this issue is punishment enough. There isn't one among us who would want to be judged and punished forever for a foolish, impulsive act committed when we were 22.
Let Dr. Katz get on with the serious work of practicing medicine. I am willing to bet that she will be a very sensitive practitioner.
Ellen Diamond
Editor's note: The writer taught Katz in middle school.
Knicks back in finals for first time since 1999 ... Ticket prices through MSG roof! ... Blakeman's agenda for 'new' NY ... Out East: Shellfish surprise
