Americans Want Advice on How To Improve Diet

Contrary to Dennis Byrne's cynical column (March 26), we at theCenter for Science in the Public Interest are not "folks who maketheir living telling us how miserable our lives are." Our realpurpose is much simpler: to give American consumers concise, usefulinformation about the food they eat.

Most people actually are grateful to have this information.According to a national survey we commissioned last year, fully halfof the American public has heard of our studies. Of those, more than80 percent approve and more than 40 percent say they have madechanges in their dining-out habits as a result.

There is no doubt that our typical high-calorie, high-fat,high-sodium diet leads to tremendous health problems. Indeed,current data show that poor diet and lack of exercise, takentogether, contribute to as many preventable deaths each year assmoking. With nearly half the national food dollar being spentoutside the home, such studies as ours ought to be encouraged, notbelittled. Michael Jacobson, Ph.D., executive director, Center for Science in the Public Interest, Washington Tears of a Clown

Now that the Chicago mayoral election is over, it's time for anapology. Personal attacks are common in Chicago politics, but duringthis election, more than just feelings were hurt.

Since the primary, the media and some talk radio hosts havecondescendingly belittled (Republican candidate) Ray Wardingley forplaying "Spanky the Clown." What they have forgotten is thatWardingley dressed up as a clown to raise money to help children withcancer. Some people don't have the kind of money it takes to makebig cash donations or go to fancy fund-raisers. Those of us who canafford to give money have to help people less fortunate by helping ata soup kitchen, or volunteering at Special Olympics, or maybe playinga clown to help raise money.

Say what you will about his politics, but to attack Wardingleyfor trying to help dying children is sick. David J. Haynes, Irving Park Wake Up, Dads

I agree wholeheartedly with Stella Foster's Personal View,"Mothers: Don't Subject Your Kids to Abusive Men," on March 28. I ama father of two children and would be truly concerned if my wife andI were to divorce and she subjected not only herself but also mychildren to an abusive relationship. I commend Foster for giving awake-up call to not only the women of Chicago but also the men.

I would like to send out a plea to the fathers of these childrento stand up and be men and be accountable for your children'swelfare. When you see that their mothers are in unhealthyrelationships, step in and get your children out of that environment.We cannot put all of the burden of child-rearing on the woman.

It's infuriating to see that our society has fallen to the pointthat we as parents in our search for love would sacrifice ourchildren to please someone who may or may not be that destined "soulmate." Terrance L. Harrington, West Garfield Park Speaking the Truth

The Personal View (March 28) by Stella Foster made a validpoint: Too many mothers are permitting their children to be abused bythe men they choose to bring into their lives.

Today, far too many children are victims of abuse, in some casesso tragic that they result in permanent disability or death. Who canchildren trust if they can't trust their mothers? Foster has a wayof stating her point of view with simplicity, emotion, conviction andhonesty. Delores J. Brooks, Greater Grand Crossing Give Us More Stella

It is long overdue for the daily papers to give homage to theopinions of black women like Stella Foster. We are a diverse group.Normally, the major media present us only as victims of crime or asdrug-crazed, abusive moms. I'd like to see regular columns byFoster. Her commentary (Personal View, March 28) is something tolook forward to. When I read her featured commentary, I get theimpression we're talking on the telephone like regular "homeys." Helen Wright, Douglas Kill Death Penalty

At the same time Pope John Paul II in his encyclical was movingtoward an absolute ban on the death penalty, Illinois announced itwould again become a serial killer by executing two citizens in adouble-header.

The United States is the only advanced country that continues tokill people to show that killing is wrong. The only purpose isrevenge; a civilized country should not engage in revenge. H. J. Oettinger, Loop