NutritionRegarding "Fried food, soda coming back to schools" (Page B2, Friday), as an American Heart...

1. Monday letters: Sid Miller, Pope Francis, Confederate flag
Nutrition
Regarding "Fried food, soda coming back to schools" (Page B2, Friday), as an American Heart
Association advocate and grandmother, I felt compelled to respond to the announcement by the
agriculture commissioner to change Texas' school nutrition policy. I believe these changes will be
detrimental to the health of children across Texas.
The plan to repeal the ban on deep fryers and lift restrictions on sugary drinks that contribute to
childhood obesity is more than disappointing. Work has only just begun on making our food
environment healthier for all, including children in schools, and the evidence is mounting that these
policies work to create healthier and more academically successful environments.
Fried foods and sodas have no place in our schools, where many have worked hard to develop a
healthy and safe environment for our children. The nutritional quality of foods in schools can also
harm student performance, as research has indicated that there is a strong link between good
nutrition and a child's ability to focus in the classroom.
Schools and school districts across Texas should maintain policies that ensure our students are
healthy, focused and ready to learn.
Carolyn M. Jackson, Houston
Flag flap
Regarding "Rebel plate ban upheld" (Page A1, Friday), I understand the desire for Confederate
veterans' groups to honor the history of the confederacy, but I don't understand why they can't
understand the divisive issues that the Confederate flag creates.

2. The simplest example of problems created by living in the past is that while South Carolina will be
honoring the people killed in last week's massacre, the laws they have created allow the lowering of
the American flag to honor those killed but do not provide for lowering the Confederate flag without
General Assembly approval. Hence, the American flag was lowered and the Confederate flag
remains unchanged.
Ron Curtis, Houston
Way off base
Regarding "Dear Texas, 'Man has slapped nature in the face'" (Page A1, Thursday), the story about
the pope and being a slap in the face to Texas is ludicrous at best.
I am Catholic and find this pope to be very much a socialist speaking on issues that have nothing to
do with the Catholic religion. The pope should not speak for the church on environmental issues, and
it has always been my understanding that he should only "teach when in conjunction with cardinals
and bishops."
I think he is way off base on many of the issues he discusses so freely. He is not infallible when
stating his opinions on anything other than religion.
Jude Wiggins, Houston
Bojangles
Regarding "Bojangles has an old-school music appeal" (Page F3, Thursday), it is so nice to see such a
fantastic local business get some positive press. Shawn Parks has had this vision for some time.
From his days as the star quarterback in Kingwood to being the local Rock Star! It could not have
happened to a better person. Hard work pays off!
Fulton Davenport, posted on HoustonChronicle.com
http://www.chron.com/opinion/letters/article/Monday-letters-Sid-Miller-Pope-Francis-6338603.php