Or, as PCRM more elegantly states, “Without access to healthful food, many children are at risk for obesity and other health problems. This is a question of fundamental fairness and decency. Congress has yet to act to protect the rights of these children. As it stands, children are exploited by government programs that place fatty, meaty, cheesy dishes in schools as a way of reducing agricultural commodities and boosting farm income at the expense of children’s health. We believe that every child, no matter how disadvantaged, has a right to good nutrition and good health. Their schools need and deserve solid support every step of the way.”

So who would have a problem with such a simple little ad, besides the food company giants that make billions supplying those crappy lunches?

Well, apparently White House lawyers would. It seems there’s an unwritten code that says using words like “President Obama’s daughters” to make a statement is forbidden. So forbidden, in fact, that White House attorneys asked PCRM to take the ads down.

I worked with PCRM years ago on this very same issue–advocating for change in federal nutrition policy–and I attended the same private school as “President Obama’s daughters.” In fact, I was introduced to vegetarianism at the school (but I hated it, which may or may not defeat my point).

My point being that I like the ad and I obviously have come to love the cause. I also happen to think the fallout around the ad amounts to a big fat distraction. The President and First Lady themselves talk about the privileges that their daughters receive and how all children should have access to healthier food, a good education, safe and pleasant neighborhoods, involved parents, cultural events, and all the rest. They know, like we all do, that kids in public schools and poor neighborhoods get the shaft in this society for being poor–especially when it comes to food. That may be why Michelle Obama invited public school kids from Bancroft Elementary in DC to help grow the White House organic vegetable garden–and not kids from a tony private school.

PCRM president Neal Barnard said, “No one in the first family has raised any objection at all to the advertisements or the campaign of which it is a part.” So, is he implying that White House lawyers may not be speaking for the Obama parents–just for White House protocol? Don’t know… Anyway, he refused to take the ads down and I applaud him for that.

So, tell me, what do you think of the ad? Is it fair or foul? Does it harm or help the cause? You can learn more about the campaign here.

©2012 byanygreensnecessary.com. All Rights Reserved.

©2012 byanygreensnecessary.com. All Rights Reserved.