George,

If there ever was an opening for President Obama to get angry, Sarah Palin has presented him with a "my little dog, Fala" moment.

Palin has attacked Michelle Obama for her efforts to use her prestige and leadership in an effort to deal with the alarming rate of obesity among the children of the United States. Mrs.Obama has not called for more government regulation or oversight, but for a rational campaign of information for parents to be better informed of the dangers of overweight children, and the consumption of high fat calorie foods. Foods promoted by the fast food industry through the use of promotional toys, aggressive advertising, and the use of celebrities in an effort to get kids to consume more.

Doctors, especially pediatricians, applaud Michelle Obama's efforts. Sarah Palin has her own "expert" opinion.

What could possibly be wrong with trying to take a responsible role in an effort to make for a more healthy citizenry, starting with our children?

President Obama would win the plaudits of many Americans if he would just say, "Sarah Palin can attack anyone she pleases,but I'll defend my wife's efforts to encourage healthy eating habits among our children. Peddling fear and anger coupled with snarky remarks about anyone she targets at any given moment are not, in my opinion, constructive for our nation."

It is an opportunity to expand on the entire movement of hate spewing right wingers who sow only fear and obstruction to just about anything that might have a positive outcome for our American society.

Harry Tenney (Electronic mail, November 27, 2010)