Bill Clinton's "DO NOT SWALLOW" Initiative

Former President Clinton announces initiative to combat childhood obesity

From AP:

NEW YORK -- Former President Bill Clinton and Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee on Tuesday announced the launch of a 10-year initiative to reverse childhood obesity, calling it a national epidemic.

Speaking to children and their teachers in a Harlem school gym, Clinton said, "The truth is that children are consuming more sugar and fatty foods than ever before. We want to reverse the growth in childhood obesity."

...Clinton and Huckabee did not say how much the initiative would cost or give concrete examples for reserving the growth of childhood obesity. They said the initiative would focus on:

_The food and restaurant industry, to improve the quality of offerings and develop marketing and promotion strategies for a healthier lifestyle.

_Schools and community groups, to help increase physical activity and improve nutrition in schools by providing standards for healthier foods in cafeterias and vending machines.

_Community mobilization, to create a campaign to engage children to take steps for healthy lifestyle choices, and give parents the tools to incorporate heart healthy activities into their family routines.

_The media, to work with the media to encourage healthier lifestyles for young people.
______________________________

I commend Bill for addressing childhood obesity and promoting healthier lifestyles.

By coming out with Gov. Huckabee, he continues his pattern of tossing politics aside and joining with Republicans to do good. Bill shows no hesitation to walk on the right side.

Considering that the cost of the initiative was not mentioned and no concrete examples to reverse the growth of childhood obesity were given, the program unfortunately seems to be a bit hollow.

I have some ideas:

1) Reinstate recess at schools.

2) Lift the ban on dodge ball.

3) Permit children to fully compete in organized sports, meaning KEEP SCORE.

4) Outlaw all remotes.