Hula Hoops and Healthy Food
EmailABC NEWS' Yunji de Nies Reports: It was hula hoops and healthy food on the South Lawn of the White House today. The First Lady held a health fair- with cooking demonstrations and exercise stations – all to promote healthy living for parents and kids. She sampled vegetable and turkey sausage frittatas, vegetable quesadillas, raw fruits, along with apple syrup cinnamon baked apples, exclaiming, "This tastes like apple pie!" About 60 local elementary school students, teachers and parents were invited to speak with nutritionists and chefs, and get active right alongside the First Lady. Mrs. Obama was not shy, as she hula hooped, kicked off her shoes to jump rope, even running through an obstacle course, smiling and laughing throughout. Mrs. Obama watched chefs prepare the foods and encouraged children and parents in the crowd to participate. One asked about the President's eating habits, to which the First Lady responded, "He's a very disciplined eater, much more than me. He embarrasses me. I'm eating dessert and he'll say, ‘No, no. I had desert yesterday.' " Before the fun began, Mrs. Obama addresses the group, striking a more serious tone, emphasizing the need to encourage American children to exercise and eat healthy – both in and out of school. Because of rising obesity rates, she said, "Medical experts are now warning that for the first time in history of this nation, we're headed for the next generation being on track to have a shorter life span than us." Mrs. Obama said she relates to working parents who turn to fast food as a cheap, quick solution. "We're all pulled in a million different directions, working hard, working long hours, trying to do everything, be perfect parents," she said, "When you come home from a long day of work and the refrigerator is empty and you know you don't feel like cooking, the easiest and sometime the cheapest thing to do is to get in the fast food drive through. We've all done it." The First Lady spoke about her upbringing and how much things have changed from her childhood to that of her daughters'. "When I was growing up, fast food was a treat. We couldn't afford to get fast food every week," she said, "We didn't have desert every single night. My mother would tell us, dessert is not a right, it's a treat!" The First Lady continued, "My mother was also very clear in her household that you ate what she fixed," to which the crowd laughed knowingly, "You ate what she fixed, and if you didn't eat that, you didn't eat." Mrs. Obama was quick to point out that the President and First Tweens do indulge from time to time. "There's nothing that the First Family loves more than a good burger," she said, " My favorite food in the whole wide world are french fries! I love them, dearly. Deeply. I have a good relationship with French fries and I would eat them every day if I could." Mrs. Obama explained eating right is not about absolutes but striking a balance. She also spoke about the need for more physical activity in school. "Many kids don't have any access to physical education in the schools. And that's something that's also changed. When I grew up and I went to public schools in my neighborhood, I don't care what you did, you had recess and you had gym." "One of the things I want to do is to begin focusing on ways this administration can help parents, kids and families in tackling all these challenges," she said, "Not just tell you what to do and what it should look like but help you with some resources so it doesn't feel so impossible." Mrs. Obama spoke about the Department of Agriculture's Healthier US School Challenge (HUSSC), which recognizes schools that promote good nutrition and physical activity. So far, more than 600 elementary schools are taking part in the program. Mrs. Obama encouraged more schools to join in and offered a personal visit as an added incentive. "If you're school commits to this challenge, there's a possibility that I'll come check it out. But I'm not coming if you're not a part of the challenge," she said. Mrs. Obama also said children themselves need to take an active role in keeping themselves healthy. When it comes to vegetables -"We don't want to hear the whining," she said, "Eat it, just eat." And she said, turn off the television. At the White House, Malia and Sasha Obama are apparently not allowed to watch TV during the week and are only allowed to do so for a few hours on weekends. "Because the TVs are off, my girls get up and move. Even if they're pushing each other down, they're running," she said with a smile. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack joined the First Lady. He praised her for championing HUSSC, ""We could not have a better spokesperson in this country," he said. The Secretary said that the White House a strong commitment to making healthy foods available to children through the school lunch program. As evidence, he relayed a conversation he had with the President, upon accepting his current job. "The first instruction I got from my boss," Vilsack said, "'He said, ‘I want our children to be fed more nutritious meals." Vilsack followed the First Lady through the cooking stations, sampling the various dishes, though he held back when she moved on to the hula hoops and jump ropes. FLOTUS Fashion Watch: Mrs. Obama wore a teal cardigan over a black and white patterned blouse, topped with a studded black belt and black pants.
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“Before the fun began, Mrs. Obama addresses the group, striking a more serious tone, emphasizing the need to encourage American children to exercise and eat healthy – both in and out of school.”
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Obesity is a major problem in the U.S. now – smart of the First Lady to bring this back into focus as she does.
Posted by: julieterra | October 21, 2009, 2:40 pm 2:40 pm
What I love about Michelle Obama is her desire to share with me every detail of her parenting. I just want to know more, more, more.
Posted by: MayBee | October 21, 2009, 2:42 pm 2:42 pm
Did she tell the story again about how her youngest daughter was overweight?
Posted by: Axey | October 21, 2009, 2:50 pm 2:50 pm
Those sorry right wingers criticize anything the President or his family does. How absolutely pathetic. What a bunch of carpers and whiners.
Posted by: julieterra | October 21, 2009, 2:53 pm 2:53 pm
I eagerly await the media’s detailed description of Michelle’s next bowel movement
Posted by: JamesJ | October 21, 2009, 3:49 pm 3:49 pm
She is a much better Hula Hoopstress than I, I’ll give her that.
Posted by: MayBee | October 21, 2009, 3:55 pm 3:55 pm
JamesJ | Oct 21, 2009 3:49:26 PM posted: “I eagerly await the media’s detailed description of Michelle’s next bowel movement.” Not funny James. Please, enlighten us.
Why do you believe our First Lady’s efforts to promote better nutrition and exercise is not worth reporting? And then, please explain why this report warrants such a trashy, disrespectful comment from you?
Posted by: CenterOne | October 21, 2009, 4:16 pm 4:16 pm
WOW! You naysayers are something else! What is OBVIOUSLY a problem (obesity) in our country is addressed by the First Lady. She opens the White House, (which she has acknowledged in the past),the “people’s” house to Parents, School Children, and Teachers to learn about nutrition, healthy exercise, good eating habits, and an overall HEALTHY lifestyle… AND you still can’t say “good work?” Think about that for a moment and “why” you feel the way you do! Oh my goodness!!!
Posted by: FS | October 21, 2009, 4:20 pm 4:20 pm
Centerone…I’m criticizing the media’s fawning. Get a clue.
All Hail Obama!
All Hail the State!
Posted by: JamesJ | October 21, 2009, 4:25 pm 4:25 pm
MayBee | Oct 21, 2009 2:42:48 PM posted “What I love about Michelle Obama is her desire to share with me every detail of her parenting. I just want to know more, more, more.” MayBee, I’m presuming this is sarcasm and I don’t understand why.
Did it ever occur to you that not every family has been exposed to good parenting examples? Or that emulating the First Lady’s nutrition and exercise recommendations might actually be a positive thing for our nation?
Posted by: Center One | October 21, 2009, 4:28 pm 4:28 pm
“Why do you believe our First Lady’s efforts to promote better nutrition and exercise is not worth reporting? And then, please explain why this report warrants such a trashy, disrespectful comment from you?”
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I think we all know the real answers to those questions. Another knee-jerk, mindless criticism of anything the First Family does.
Posted by: julieterra | October 21, 2009, 4:32 pm 4:32 pm
=== What is OBVIOUSLY a problem (obesity) in our country is addressed by the First Lady. ===
She used her child as an example of overweight children. She could have used herself, since she has clearly packed on a few pounds since the campaign days, and left her child out of it.
Posted by: Axey | October 21, 2009, 4:34 pm 4:34 pm
Posted by: JamesJ | Oct 21, 2009 4:25:56 PM posted: “I’m criticizing the media’s fawning. Get a clue.” James, did you actually READ this report?
This event is not “fawning” over Obama – it was to promote the Department of Agriculture’s Healthier US School Challenge (HUSSC), which recognizes schools that promote good nutrition and physical activity.
So how is this somehow “bad” for our nation? Don’t you think it’s worthwhile to promote healthy kids regardless of your political position?
If this had been Laura Bush’s project, Americans would be applauding her too. Get a clue.
Posted by: CenterOne | October 21, 2009, 4:44 pm 4:44 pm
BORING>>>>>>Snooze
Posted by: Kara | October 21, 2009, 4:49 pm 4:49 pm
Axey: Yes and no. From the very beginning her outreach and thrust has been childhood obesity and how they will be affected as they grow older. Sharing that she too has a child, which she as a mother, must be concerned about only increases her credibility with those parents dealing with overweight children too. Regarding herself, she speaks of herself (although I don’t recall anything specific about weight gain), she has told of her execercse program, the bad foods she eats and loves, and how the President is much more focused than she. She has to deal with it like everybody else.
Posted by: FS | October 21, 2009, 4:50 pm 4:50 pm
Posted by: Kara | Oct 21, 2009 4:49:38 PM: “BORING>>>>>>Snooze”
Well Kara, there are other people in the United States who consider the health and well being of our future citizens a worthwhile topic.
For example, were you aware that there’s a connection between nutrition and academic achievement? Not eating right can also make you sleepy.
Posted by: CenterOne | October 21, 2009, 5:01 pm 5:01 pm
=== She has to deal with it like everybody else. ===
But unlike everyone else, her child is in the public spotlight. And shouldn’t have her weight discussed on national television.
Posted by: Axey | October 21, 2009, 5:05 pm 5:05 pm
Out of context Axey! That line was referring to Mrs. Obama of whom you noted has packed on a few pounds since the campaign. I think her daughter gains more in knowing how her mother takes care of her and explaining why she does the things that she do! She’ll have the same memories as those of Mrs. Obama’s when speaking about her children.
Posted by: FS | October 21, 2009, 5:10 pm 5:10 pm
===Out of context Axey! ===
I don’t think it was out of context.
You aren’t going to talk me out of my opinion that her child shouldn’t be used in the context of overweight, especially when that child was not obese, but was retaining baby fat. If she develops acne, is she going to cite that as an example of her parenting skills? It is my opinion that her children are going to have a tough enough time being the children of the president of the US. Don’t give either of them added attention about their looks.
Posted by: Axey | October 21, 2009, 5:29 pm 5:29 pm
When did she use Sasha as an example? I wasnt quite paying attention. I would have left the little girl out of it. Shasha probably probably know she’s not skinney her Sister Malia is a beanpole. If Sasha is gaining weight then obviously the Obama’s arent as vigolent as they need to be, anyways it’s baby weight shes 8 wait till she grows a few inches.
Posted by: rachel | October 21, 2009, 5:30 pm 5:30 pm
When did she use Sasha as an example?
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She didn’t. She used Malia as an example, more than once, I believe– in an issue of Parents magazine, she and the President described their decision to ditch juice boxes and processed foods because Malia was getting chubby. And there was a post on here about it too, more recently. While I understand Axey’s point actually (don’t faint, Axey!) and hope the First Lady doesn’t do that on a regular basis for the kids’ sake, I think it’s likely because Malia is such a lovely girl with no weight problem now, as in she likely didn’t think it was something particularly embarrassing to Malia. My son thinks it’s hilarious that he was such a chubby baby, partially because he’s not the least bit chubby now.
Posted by: Alyson | October 21, 2009, 6:36 pm 6:36 pm
She didn’t. She used Malia as an example,
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Do you have a quote, Alyson? I’m pretty sure she wasn’t talking about Malia.
Posted by: MayBee | October 21, 2009, 6:43 pm 6:43 pm
Ok, I see Barack Obama mentioned Malia in parade. I don’t know who Michelle was referring to in her speeches, but it’s pretty obvious why they should stop doing that.
Posted by: MayBee | October 21, 2009, 6:46 pm 6:46 pm
MayBee, the comment about Malia was from a NYT piece on March 10. “A couple of years ago — you’d never know it by looking at her now — Malia was getting a little chubby.” The article describes how the First Lady took action when “her doctor — he really monitors this type of thing — suggested we look at her diet. So we cut out juice boxes, sweets and processed foods.”
Malia has grown into a beautiful young woman. Her mother helped explain to other families how to deal a child’s weight gain by taking action to cut out processed foods.
Posted by: CenterOne | October 21, 2009, 6:59 pm 6:59 pm
Yes, CenterOne, I said I found it. Then I said it was blindingly obvious, considering the conversation we’ve just had, that they need to stop using their kids as examples.
Posted by: MayBee | October 21, 2009, 7:13 pm 7:13 pm
MayBee: Why is it “blindingly obvious” that the Obama’s “need to stop using their kids as examples”? Is it somehow “bad” to describe a normal, healthy family life?
Our President stated in another article that “Malia is so tall and gangly that she’s not good at everything (like soccer) right away – and Sasha’s not good at everything right away – means learning lessons about having to work hard at something and improve.”
The Obamas take great pain to protect their girls from too much media attention while also strengthening them to deal with life in a fishbowl. Taken in context, our First Lady’s comment about Malia becoming “chubby” is just fine.
Posted by: CenterOne | October 21, 2009, 7:37 pm 7:37 pm
Because everyone made an assumption we were talking about the other daughter. Why do you think that is?
Posted by: MayBee | October 21, 2009, 7:44 pm 7:44 pm
Actually MayBee, your first post here was critical of Michelle Obama’s “desire to share with me every detail of her parenting”, based on her efforts to promote better nutrition.
I’ve been reading your comments here about Michelle Obama for some time. If you set aside your evident dislike for our First Lady and weigh positive value vs. negative, then do you honestly believe promoting health and nutrition for American children is somehow “bad”?
Posted by: CenterOne | October 21, 2009, 7:55 pm 7:55 pm
Wow! that whitehouse look like fun again .
Everyday joes seems to be hanging out there often which is nice to see. beats having the previous occupants.. who act and live like MOULD and COBWEB.
Posted by: jenny | October 21, 2009, 7:59 pm 7:59 pm
I’ve been reading your comments here about Michelle Obama for some time. If you set aside your evident dislike for our First Lady and weigh positive value vs. negative, then do you honestly believe promoting health and nutrition for American children is somehow “bad”?
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I do not think promoting health and nutrition is bad, nor did I say anything of the sort.
I do not think the Obamas should hold themselves out as *personal* examples. I do not think they need to invite America into their personal lives quite that much.
Posted by: MayBee | October 21, 2009, 8:06 pm 8:06 pm
“desire to share with me every detail of her parenting”,
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Oh, and no, this was about her eating habits, her kid’s eating habits (TMI), the hours she permits her kids to watch television during the week, the hours she permits her kids to watch television during the weekend.
She can be very charming. She can be very cute with kids. I also think she can be too self-absorbed. I think the more she talks about herself, the less charming it is.
Posted by: MayBee | October 21, 2009, 8:09 pm 8:09 pm
Looks like Michelle can stand to give up a few juice boxes. Lol.
Posted by: ceeLeelee | October 21, 2009, 10:26 pm 10:26 pm
Getting lectured by the Obamas on what is healthy is kinda like having Telly Savalas push hair care products. Is Obama still smoking?
Posted by: jennifert7 | October 21, 2009, 11:20 pm 11:20 pm
“Looks like Michelle can stand to give up a few juice boxes. Lol.”
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She looks great. You’re looking for the anorexic model! Michelle has had two children and is into her 40s – she looks excellent in the obstacle course.
Posted by: julieterra | October 22, 2009, 1:05 am 1:05 am
Why is it that the mainstream media never mentions the fact that Michelle Obama is FAT?
We keep being told that Michelle is a fashion icon, yet she must weigh more than any First Lady in many, many years.
She seems to be a nice person but she is no Jackie Kennedy. Jackie Kennedy actually had the body to wear designer clothing.
Michelle picks outfits that just accentuate how overweight she is.
(I’m referring to all those bouncy pleats, crazy patterns, etc.)
Also, with her being so heavy and her husband still smoking tobacco, they don’t need to lecture the rest of us on healthy habits.
When she loses some weight, then she might have some credibility!
Posted by: healthyand thin | October 22, 2009, 1:38 am 1:38 am
I think that it is great! I think everyone should take part in learning more about obtaining good health. Dr. John E. Mayer is another person who has dedicated a lot of time to helping make America healthier. He has written a great book titled, “Family Fit.” The book is espeically tailored toward the family. The book is filled with lots of great nutritional information as well as awesome activities that families can do together- they are a blast!
Posted by: Becky | October 22, 2009, 2:38 am 2:38 am
Michelle is a real mom and a real first first lady.
Smart and beautiful!
Posted by: leche | October 22, 2009, 4:42 am 4:42 am
The First Ladu is the perfect example of being healthy…..Africa-American women have legs, hips. We were designed that way….to lift those babies and carry them….She looks amazing in her 40′s after 2 babies….healthy hair and skin too. This is a good thing for our country……the healthier, the stronger. And by the way, she’s too old to be labeled “cute”….. that is for “girls” and that she is NOT! She’s a Woman.
Posted by: sara | October 22, 2009, 9:02 am 9:02 am
She might have fit arms but the bottom half needs alot of work. Maybe the hula hoop will help so she can lower her belt to her waist!!! LOL
Posted by: lovingpolitics | October 22, 2009, 9:10 am 9:10 am
I declare! …Just unrelenting!
The Presidency akin to other high positions is a bully pulpit. Are the people who hold these positions 100 percent perfect? Is your Pastor perfect? Are you the perfect mom or dad?
Assuming that you are not “perfect,” you do not feel that you have intelligent input to offer someone regarding your experiences? I am 48, a BMI under 25, very muscular, gym practically everyday for an 1 hour or 2, and run maybe 30 miles a week. Now, can I offer any positive input about the benefits of healthy eating and exercise? I sure can! Especially how it has worked for me. Also, how it can work for you and the benefits you will see! You just have to find your comfort level. Am I perfect? Of course not! I’m a smoker!
However, even with that (and not dismissing the severity of smoking),doctors are shocked when I tell them I’m a smoker. With that in mind, I know its something I have to work on. Do I feel myself better than you? Of course not!
Nor do the Obamas. I think it great they share a bit of their homelife. Maybe a parent will think; “Ha! Maybe my child is watching too much television.” or, “Ha! You see kid, I’m not such a bad parent as you might think, because they’re other kids who watch the same about of television as you do!”
This is a POSITIVE initiative given the obesity rate in our country! Why can’t you naysayers even give even a half compliment… like; “I can’t stand her, but this initiative is good work!”
GEEZ!!!!!
Posted by: FS | October 22, 2009, 9:31 am 9:31 am
If that is physically fit – I don’t want any!!!
Posted by: jlpillinois | October 22, 2009, 9:42 am 9:42 am
===Posted by: Alyson | Oct 21, 2009 6:36:25 PM===
It wasn’t Malia. It is Sasha that she references when discussing her overweight child.
Posted by: Axey | October 22, 2009, 10:16 am 10:16 am
Axey, could you cite your source. Thanks!
Posted by: FS | October 22, 2009, 10:25 am 10:25 am
Okay, it seems the 8 year old BO named was Malia. I can’t find MO naming her specifically, but it would follow she too was discussing Malia.
My point remains. It doesn’t matter if Malia has grown out of it because of genetics (look at her father, skinny as a rail) or it was because of MO’s awesomeness as a mother, they should not be used as an example, in my opinion. What if Malia gains her weight back, due again to genetics (look at MO)? Or what if Sasha isn’t the long and lean child Malia is?
Posted by: Axey | October 22, 2009, 10:46 am 10:46 am
FS,
That’s all fine and good, but I wouldn’t want you taking trillions of dollars from tax payers to pay for your health care initiatives or you being able to tax me based on the food I choose to ingest. You don’t have the power to do so, unlike Obama. But sure–give all the free health and fitness advice you want.
Posted by: jennifert7 | October 22, 2009, 10:52 am 10:52 am
jennifert7 posted: That’s all fine and good, but I wouldn’t want you taking trillions of dollars from tax payers to pay for your health care initiatives or you being able to tax me based on the food I choose to ingest. You don’t have the power to do so, unlike Obama.
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…Neither does Mrs. Obama.
Posted by: FS | October 22, 2009, 10:59 am 10:59 am
MayBee | Oct 21, 2009 8:06:30 PM posted: “I do not think the Obamas should hold themselves out as *personal* examples. I do not think they need to invite America into their personal lives quite that much.”
Let’s look at the big picture. This administration is clearly aware that African American and Latino children have been particularly hard hit by the childhood obesity crisis.
Studies show that almost 36% black kids between the ages of 6 and 11 are overweight, and more than 19% are considered obese. Then from kids 12 – 19, roughly 40% are overweight with 24% obese.
Who better than the first family to invite America into their personal lives as examples of how America can change our eating and exercise patterns?
Posted by: CenterOne | October 22, 2009, 11:18 am 11:18 am
Who better than the first family to invite America into their personal lives as examples of how America can change our eating and exercise patterns?
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You are not going to convince me that the first family should invite us into their personal lives.
I don’t think they *really* want us there.
Posted by: MayBee | October 22, 2009, 11:32 am 11:32 am
===Who better than the first family to invite America into their personal lives as examples of how America can change our eating and exercise patterns? ===
Did the children invite us into their personal lives? I think you are missing the point. MO and BO can talk about their unhealthy habits all day long. Don’t discuss their overweight children. Or underweight. They are in the spotlight anyway. Don’t amplify it to tell us what wonderful parents you are.
Posted by: Axey | October 22, 2009, 11:41 am 11:41 am
You will notice I am not complaining that MO said it was hard for her to stay away from the WH pies. I noticed her weight gain and only commented on it after she neglected to mention her personal weight gain but mentioned her daughter’s “problem”.
Posted by: Axey | October 22, 2009, 11:43 am 11:43 am
One more thing- you ask “who better”?
Frankly, I think people should always think twice (or three times!) before holding their children up as public examples.
BUT…”who better” is someone who can jump off the merry-go-round if the going gets tough. It’s very hard to simultaneously keep using your family’s private life as an example and ask other people not to talk about your private life. It’s nearly impossible to hold your family out as a positive example without inviting criticism.
Look at the Palins. Look at Jon and Kate. A family in the spotlight is *hard*.
Posted by: MayBee | October 22, 2009, 11:48 am 11:48 am
Posted by: healthyandthin | Oct 22, 2009 1:38:05 AM posted: “Why is it that the mainstream media never mentions the fact that Michelle Obama is FAT?” Because she’s most of us don’t think she is.
The First Lady is not “lecturing the rest of us on healthy habits”. This event goes far beyond her body shape, her husband’s smoking habit, or Michelle’s apparently unacceptable wardrobe.
1 out of 3 kids in our nation is now considered overweight or obese. This is serious. It will impact the cost of living for the entire country and the next generation’s ability to compete in a future Global Economy.
Preventing kids from becoming overweight means adapting the way our families eat and exercise, and how they spend time together. Helping kids to change unhealthy patterns begins with parents, including the first family, who lead by example.
Few people are perfectly “healthy and thin”. The rest of us are educated about ways to improve our diet and fitness. Showing American families this important process is “credibility”.
Posted by: CenterOne | October 22, 2009, 11:57 am 11:57 am
Axey, I ask that you remember that from the very beginning Mrs. Obama’s thrust has been childhood obesity, and not just obesity itself, which overall is very problematic for our nation. But, although I do disagree with you, I do see your point. I think that the Obama children’s exposure is carefully managed and it is their utmost well-being which is of most concern. But, (if I comprehend correctly), your view is that any exposure is, or can be harmful. You may have a point. Afterall, one must be able to withstand the “bitter” along with the “sweet.” I suppose we will see as time unfolds.
Posted by: FS | October 22, 2009, 12:12 pm 12:12 pm
===But, (if I comprehend correctly), your view is that any exposure is, or can be harmful.===
No, my view is they should not be used as examples. For anything. What if they fall short? What if Sasha is short and dumpy, no matter what she eats? What if Malia gets hips as large as her mother’s, no matter the amount of vegetables fed her? Do not use them as examples of how to raise your children. At least not vocally. Discuss the eating habits of children in general. Discuss whatever you want in general. Don’t put your child’s name and face on it. Let them be children, in the spotlight, but not shining the light on them yourself.
Posted by: Axey | October 22, 2009, 12:25 pm 12:25 pm
IMO, sniping about Michelle Obama’s parenting style is missing the target. In the big picture, it’s absolutely appropriate for our first family to be open about family problems and solutions. It’s entirely appropriate for Michelle to set an example prioritizing kids’ health and fitness. Here’s why:
Research from economist James Heckman (Professor at the University of Chicago) concludes the biggest problem for America’s future is the decline in educational attainment. Conservatives tend to blame evil teachers unions, lazy workers or government control. Liberals blame evil capitalism, outsourcing, or No Child Left Behind. But Heckman points us to a completely different reason.
Heckman says our country’s educational slide has happened because of the decline in the American family over the past 40 years. Rebuilding family structure and focus, including family participation in child health and nutrition to eliminate obesity, will be critical to prevent our nation’s decline in a global economy.
Building healthier, better educated kids means more tax payers, more innovation, stronger economic competition, and less people on welfare. Regardless of our political views, isn’t that a worthwhile goal?
Posted by: CenterOne | October 22, 2009, 12:33 pm 12:33 pm
===Regardless of our political views, isn’t that a worthwhile goal?===
You are the one missing the point, IMO. In trying to defend whatever MO and BO do or say.
I take comfort in knowing several authorities on this subject agreed with me. Their remarks about their daughter(s) were cringe worthy.
Posted by: Axey | October 22, 2009, 12:42 pm 12:42 pm
Building healthier, better educated kids means more tax payers, more innovation, stronger economic competition, and less people on welfare. Regardless of our political views, isn’t that a worthwhile goal?
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You keep talking about worthwhile goals.
I am talking about a bad method- using the first children/first family as a public example.
Think about the host of problems affecting our families and teens- which of them do you think the girls should be held out as examples for? Which should they *not*?
I say none.
Posted by: MayBee | October 22, 2009, 12:43 pm 12:43 pm
Well, I for one agree with you CenterOne. The issue is about addressing the obesity problem in our country–no matter who that message comes from. However, part of that process (I believe) is allowing those to vent their pro/con “whatever” in order to move closer to that target. I would hope others from a personal, community, corporate level pick-up the White House’ lead and offer similar health fairs etc. to further inform people how to get on, or back on track regarding a healthier lifestyle.
Posted by: FS | October 22, 2009, 12:57 pm 12:57 pm
Axey | Oct 22, 2009 12:42:06 PM posted: “I take comfort in knowing several authorities on this subject agreed with me. Their remarks about their daughter(s) were cringe worthy.”
I’m curious. Who are these “authorities” agreeing with you that the Obamas’ remarks about their girls are “cringe worthy”?
Posted by: CenterOne | October 22, 2009, 1:21 pm 1:21 pm
Peter King: “What about Barack’s chesse burger runs for him and Joe Biden?”
Did amazing positive things for that small business! Also, for the pizza guy.
“…she is very boring and a total flake.”
While in your view that may be true, you read the story none the less, and felt compelled to post. Please share your view regarding obesity in America–especially amongst our children. Do you feel as if there is a problem or is this something which is overblown?
Posted by: FS | October 22, 2009, 1:41 pm 1:41 pm
I really have nothing nice to say, but will say enjoy the ride it will not last forever… thank you
Posted by: bob | October 22, 2009, 1:47 pm 1:47 pm
Posted by: MayBee | Oct 22, 2009 12:43:56 PM posted: “Think about the host of problems affecting our families and teens- which of them do you think the girls should be held out as examples for? Which should they *not*? I say none.”
Why “none”? You may recall back in 2001, Jenna and Barbara Bush used Jenna’s fake ID to order drinks. The Secret Service agents hustled the girls out before cops got involved, but they were later cited for underage drinking. IMO, that was an example when the girls could have been used as a positive example – we missed an opportunity to really broaden national discussion about teen drinking.
You seem to think it’s better for the First Family to remain reclusive. On the other hand, the Obamas, and many other Americans like me, think otherwise. We believe the first family can in fact act as a positive example, especially when it comes to a serious national concern like obesity.
It’s not as if the Obamas are somehow humiliating their kids in public. Their actions show a balance of care and concern about how much of the girls privacy is brought into the public eye.
Posted by: CenterOne | October 22, 2009, 2:03 pm 2:03 pm
You seem to think it’s better for the First Family to remain reclusive.
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I think no such thing.
Posted by: MayBee | October 22, 2009, 2:33 pm 2:33 pm
MayBee: Good to see you don’t think the First Family should remain reclusive.
OK, so then why do you think it is a “bad method” to hold up the first children/first family as a public example? Your first post in this thread suggests you dislike Michelle Obama’s “desire to share every detail of her parenting”.
How in heaven’s name is the the First Family’s participation in this event a “bad method” or “sharing every detail of her parenting”?
Posted by: CenterOne | October 22, 2009, 3:01 pm 3:01 pm
Well CenterOne, I understand your point here about the Bush girls but here is where Axey may have a good point too. Whereas I, or you might have looked at the Bush girls’ incident as a learning/teaching moment, I don’t think if I were one of those girls I would be so appreciative of my childhood transgression being played out on the national stage by the media. Undoubtedly, the incident would have developed into a politicized matter and that would open up another can of worms. Its the bitter/sweet scenario.
Posted by: FS | October 22, 2009, 3:02 pm 3:02 pm
How in heaven’s name is the the First Family’s participation in this event a “bad method” or “sharing every detail of her parenting”?
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It wasn’t the participation.
It was the speech, both this one and prior speeches. As I’ve said.
Posted by: MayBee | October 22, 2009, 3:03 pm 3:03 pm
MayBee: Over lunchtime I googled “Remarks by the First Lady at Healthy Kids Fair” on October 21, 2009 and read through her entire speech.
Michelle Obama joked about her kids not liking vegetables, saying, “…We don’t want to hear the whining. We want you to eat it.” The audience laughed.
Another comment about her kids: “In our household, no TV during school days. And only a couple hours during the weekend.” How is that sharing every detail?
Otherwise, I simply couldn’t find where our First Lady’s remarks singled her children for ridicule or held them up as a bad example. Seriously, even if you don’t like Michelle Obama, this was worthwhile, instructional health fair that in no way embarrassed her kids.
Posted by: CenterOne | October 22, 2009, 4:30 pm 4:30 pm
hula hoop? jump rope for 30 minutes a day
Posted by: lonnie | October 22, 2009, 9:12 pm 9:12 pm