Emporia Parents told ‘Energy Drinks’ bad for kids
Special to The Gazette
Monday, January 26, 2009
Elementary-school students’ frequent use of energy drinks has sparked a caution from Emporians for Drug Awareness.
EDA Director Teresa Walters said that teachers and student support specialists are concerned about the increasing use of the drinks, and singled out “5-Hour Energy” for attention.
The drink comes in a small, almost kid-sized container the manufacturer refers to as a “shot,” Walters said. It may be appealing to youngsters because of its marketing.
“Even though these products are legally sold in local stores, it is the responsibility of parents, guardians and other caring adults to impress our youth with the message that energy drinks are not safe for them to use,” Walters said. “... There are a number of healthy ways that young people can increase their energy level without the use of this type of product, such as by exercising more, eating right, and getting more sleep.”
Walters said that energy drinks often contain ingredients such as herbs and high levels of caffeine that can cause heart palpitations and other problems for youths, “especially if the products are consumed quickly and in amounts higher than recommended.”
For more information, call Walters at 341-2450 or e-mail Teresa.Walters@usd253.org.
djdiablo (anonymous) says...
Hey, head's up...I think I smell another ban a'comin' our way soon...
But I'm confused by, "it is the responsibility of parents, guardians and other caring adults to impress our youth with the message that energy drinks are not safe for them to use."
Of all people EDA is aware that we're NOT responsible enough, or smart enough, for that matter, to make such decisions alone. Someone HAS to save us from ourselves!
They've gotta HELP us...
January 26, 2009 at 2:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tosie (anonymous) says...
This all comes back to parenting.....I think this is a good article because they are really just trying to get a point across to parents that they shouldn't be buying their kids these kinds of drinks to take to school because they are unhealthy. At that age, children DO need to be supervised when it comes to what they are consuming and also taught about good health. If kids are taught that these drinks are not good for them, then maybe they will also be deterred from taking them from their friends if offered. Just an opinion - it's a completely different topic than the smoking ban.
January 26, 2009 at 3:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
josiesbar (anonymous) says...
Ohh yeah, I'm gonna say it. I told you so.
January 26, 2009 at 4:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
tosie, kids take these cause it makes them feel good.
January 26, 2009 at 5:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MelissaE (anonymous) says...
If we're going to have this conversation about energy drinks and school kids, I'd like to know when the school board is going to put more effort into healthier lunch choices? The crap they're served now is awful. Nothing but pre-packaged, preservative-added, full of dyes (and maybe hormones?), yuck.
And since when does a piece of lettuce qualify as "a serving" of vegetable?
Are there still pop machines? That's a nice touch, too.
Melissa
January 26, 2009 at 5:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
runt (anonymous) says...
It is not only the young children drinking these drinks. There are many in the highschool that drink these also. What they don't know is that they can effect the heart and b/p. I would think this would be a much more worthy cause to worry about than smoking in a bar or other things like that.
January 26, 2009 at 6 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wyse_guy (anonymous) says...
Posted by crackinsack====To sum things up...if a kid is dumb enough to drink too many energy drinks all I can say is that the survival of the fittest goes for us humans too. It's best to weed that kind of stupidity out and thin the herd before they grow up and harm others by, say… smoking in public, for instance.]
Crack your one sick pup. So how did you survive this long with being as stupid as you are. You have to be the most self centered, possesed, skeleton of a human being in here. Now your wanting to rid the world of kids who in your oppinion are stupid. Maybe your dad should of wore protection.
January 26, 2009 at 6:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
why don't you people understand,?you can't protect everybody from everything. People are going to always make their own decisions, good or bad. Why do you all think we need each other or the government to protect us. Should we all live to the RIPE old age of 150? That would be unatural don't you think? DO you REALLY want
Teresa Walters, and Bobbie Sauder or Margi Grimwood running your life?
They haven't done such a great job on their own, why ruin mine?
Steve Corbin
An American
who is tired of busy-bodies!
January 26, 2009 at 6:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
While these drinks have very adverse effects on kids health, they won't kill them and this info has been out there for parents who care for quite a while. Anyone who still lets their kid drink it, just doesn't really care. There are a lot of elementary (K-4) students who bring frappuccinos and other energy drinks for breakfast. Our school has played with the idea of restricting them or just sending out a letter of discouragement to the parents.
MelissaE, have you looked at a school menu or seen school lunches lately? Half of the veggies and fruits are prepackaged to the same degree that they are in the produce section--just individually in the case of the baby carrots and dip. Fresh broccoli, tossed salad (salad in a bag like Dole), fresh orange segments, fresh banana slices--does this sound like what you said? Some of it comes from cans, and yes, the meat items were frozen, but most of the kitchens aren't "cooking" kitchens, so what would you do? Every time they introduce a "fresh" item, the kids don't recognize it and won't eat it because they don't see healthy foods at home. They all want hot dogs and mac & cheese. Most of them throw away their veggies and most of their fruit. I think you are being very unfair to food service.
January 26, 2009 at 7:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
For anyone who wants a more in-depth explanation than what we got here, go to:
http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/spik...
I read this many months ago, as well as other versions in other publications. It seems to have pretty solid stats--although it still would not warrant legal action. School regs seem more than sufficient because it affects learning time and classroom behavior a lot.
Yes, Observation, it affects adults differently. LOL
Oh, and who here thinks that any kid should just know this by osmosis????????? I guess a brick wall that is dumber than all the other brick walls.
January 26, 2009 at 8:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
josiesbar, you, me, rbow, and I don't know how many others are absolutely echoing the " I told you so" comment, and I knew once banning one thing starts, the control and power cowboys will be a " galloping" to exert their power and control over all of Emporias citizens, through their puppets.
?
I hate to say it, but sad times for the rights of Emporias citizens are a coming, if we all just set back and let it happen!
January 26, 2009 at 10:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hottopics (anonymous) says...
I have had it with the "BEWARE OF"
Dogs can no longer enjoy a truck ride, smoking used to be a self decided task that people KNEW was bad for you but did it anyway cause they enjoyed it. You have to have a I.D now to get friggin Cold Medicine that used to be right the shelf. We cant turn sideways without getting hit with a WARNING.
I think I am going to go out of this world stuffed full of ice cream, a Happy Meal with the soggy fries, a cold beer and a smoke. This means I went out happy. Oh and a Diet Pepsi if I can find a restaurant who still sells Pepsi Products. Did someone run them off saying they were bad too?
I'm exhausted from trying to keep up.
January 26, 2009 at 11:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
josiesbar (anonymous) says...
Here's what we do.
Everybody put $5 in a pot, and then write down what they think EDA's next ban will be, and the winner gets the pot!
Matt
Another American
January 26, 2009 at 11:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ratdog (anonymous) says...
I guess I'm wondering how many lives were cut short by those grease soaked Wendy's hamburgers Teresa peddled for so many years.............
January 26, 2009 at 11:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
josiesbar (anonymous) says...
http://www.wibw.com/localnews/headlin...
Kansas Bill Would Ban Lighter Sales to Minors.
January 27, 2009 at 12:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gazette_reader (anonymous) says...
At what point will parents be allowed to parent their own children?
January 27, 2009 at 2:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Please excuse me for saying this, but did crackinsacks comment, "To sum things up...if a kid is dumb enough to drink too many energy drinks all I can say is that the survival of the fittest goes for us humans too. It's best to weed that kind of stupidity out and thin the herd before they grow up and harm others by, say… smoking in public, for instance.", Does anyone else think or believe this sounds somewhat similar to the belief and policy of a certain leader and his group of thugs, that ruled a ceartain central european country between 1939 and 1945, or is it just me that shivers at such comments by crackinsack, the CAE and all ban smoking advocates !
January 27, 2009 at 8:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pollyanna (anonymous) says...
I find it completely ridiculous that people are taking pot shots at an organization that is letting the general public know about harmful things to our CHILDREN. My guess is if there were no brew ha ha's going on over smoking, nobody would be giving a rats a$$, or, rather THANKING prevention educators for making consumers aware of seemingly harmless drinks that can be unhealthy for our kids. I for one am glad to know that the makers of these drinks are packaging them specifically and targeting our youth with these drinks. I agree with 4theloveof....how else are our kids supposed to learn this stuff if it wasn't for adults/parents/teachers/organizations looking out for their well being.
January 27, 2009 at 10:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Where is the stats, that prove that the small container of any energy drink is specifically targeting children ?
I can't find any ! Perhaps a small container of energy drink reminds the children of a small container of orange juice, etc..
Perhaps this is another example of how noone knows what their children are doing when they are out of sight, out of mind.
This stuff costs approx. $3.00 per shot. Kind of expensive for what is essentailly a vitamin fortified cup of coffee, don't you think.
January 27, 2009 at 11:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Back in my day we didn't have fancy "ENERGY DRINKS". We had Mountain Dew and we liked it. We liked it fine.
On a serious note do you remember these drinks before Pres. Bush? I think a lot of people are missing the boat on this one. This is all his fault obviously. No child left behind indeed, Mr. Bush.
On an even seriouser note,
"We'll never be able to protect an idiot from him/herself, but we can sure protect everyone else when that person's poor decisions harm others." Oh like you and your drinking problem? crack, You crack me up.
On the seriousest note
OH and methusla you are correct that a lot of some peoples language sounds like it came straight out of Mein Kampf. I wonder if little mustaches are going to make a come back? You can count me out of that one.
January 27, 2009 at 11:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
limuwell (anonymous) says...
I have been very concerned about the energy drinks on the market today and the company that I market a brown seaweed superfood for has a new energy drink that has been introduced to the market. I am so excited..no added sugar-just fruit juice, brown seaweed, taurine...good for you...I can actually see young people drinking these and getting healthier and they don't even know it!!
January 27, 2009 at 12:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
josiesbar (anonymous) says...
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _________
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January 27, 2009 at 12:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jmcmannis (anonymous) says...
Heck when I worked in the Haunted Houses in KC I was slamming 6-8 Redbulls a night plus mountain dew on top of that and I suffered no ill effects.
By the way many bars have Redbull or other energy drinks on hand to serve to the not quite 21 crowd, as their are a few bars that allow you to enter if 18.
However anything can be harmful, including driving your car, think of all the deadly toxins coming out of your tailpipe
I have never seen energy drinks marketed toward the younger set. If you want to bash on the $3 shots at the counter, why not add SOBE energy drinks which are marketed for the younger crowd with their hip little lizard on the front to the list of harmful energy bevarages.
Energy drinks have been around long before you were thought of they just did not call them energy drinks. Many of these herbs in the drinks including caffenine are grown naturally.
I dont care if they are harmful I will continue to drink them.
January 27, 2009 at 12:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
butterfly (anonymous) says...
Well, I guess as a parent and an educator working in the schools I was glad Emporians for Drug awareness provided the information to parents. Many parents are not even aware the drinks are available.
I also don't think the kids are buying them. I suspect they are stealing them. I have an elementary age child and she reported that she heard her classmates talking about drinking them before school. Children have also reported drinking them AFTER they were observed climbing all over the place and jumping off chairs, etc.
Anyone tried to teach a kid to read who has just had a 5 hour energy shot?
If you haven't - maybe you should have to try before you insult Emporians for Drug Awareness for informing the public.
January 27, 2009 at 1:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
romano1784 (anonymous) says...
You know I hear a lot about how Emporians For Drug Awareness is bringing this to light, problem is we already know. If children are stealing these from stores you'd think we'd hear about it. Most of the time I see these "shots" they are in a plastic container on the clerks counter. The big problem is not the drinks, not the kids, its the parents. Most parents have no idea what their kids are up to because they dont want to "invade" their kids privacy by asking. I remember whining to my friends many years ago about my parents going through my room at random. Seemed a big deal back then. Then again I didn't do drugs, didnt smoke, didnt drink. Now I'm glad they cared enough to put my feelings aside and make sure I didn't have anything unsafe, seems to me more parents could be like that. You may disagree, but I think children get away with too much because parents are afraid of their children now, that and SRS.
January 27, 2009 at 2:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
Hey---wait a second.............that wasn't my point!!!! I was NOT indicating that EDA should go after these drinks. I was merely pointing out that involved parents already know this. If anyone read the article I linked (which they obviously didn't) they would know that the older you get, the fewer effects it has on you. I am neutral that EDA presented this, but if they try to go further than school restrictions on students having these drinks, I will not support it. Even that move wouldn't help much--kids would just have them drunk entirely before entering the building, so not much help. The info is out there a little more now, but we will continue to give children ADHD drugs to kids whose parents won't add the two together. Many lazy parents will continue to let kids drink this stuff, go to bed much too late, avoid their homework, avoid any accountability, and that's the way it will be. Some things can't be stopped or even banned.
Oh, and crack, that's a nice double standard you own there, son.
"I should not have to choose what environment I consume food or drink in even if it wasn't designed for me because I am entitled to go into any place of business and have it conform to me. However, idiot kids should just know when a drink isn't designed for them and should not feel entitled to it or choose to consume it."
The motive of your convenience shines ever more brightly after your statements here.
January 27, 2009 at 3:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
limuwell (anonymous) says...
With the BLUFROG ENERGY DRINK...that just came to market, they are getting 2 oz of LIMU (brown seaweed) and organic fruit juices in every 8 oz of energy drink+ all the other natural ingredients and vitamins. There is nothing bad in it. It has taurine in it but I have done the research it is good for you!!
January 27, 2009 at 3:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MisterO (anonymous) says...
Pollyanna is right on one sense:
"My guess is if there were no brew ha ha's going on over smoking, nobody would be giving a rats a$$, "
That is an excellent point, Pollyanna. If Ms.Walters hadn't shown herself to be the neighborhood busybody who knows what's best for everyone because they are too stupid to make their own informed decisions, then you are right - nobody would be giving a rat's a$$ about these "energy drinks".
Should people be nervous that the country club commandos will try to have another LEGAL product banned? I think so.
January 27, 2009 at 5:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
limuwell (anonymous) says...
Good Choice!! If you want to know how to get it email me at limuwell@gmail.com!
January 27, 2009 at 5:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jmcmannis (anonymous) says...
Let me ask my fellow members this What is Ms. Walters credentials? Is she a licensesd dieatian, a medical doctor? If not what business is it of hers to tell us what is good and not good for us or our children. If she is on the city council she needs to stick her nose back to making Emporia more economically stable instead of worrying about everybody elses health.
I have been out in the community bar and non bar wise and have seen first hand what the loss of Tyson and the economic turmoil is doing to our city. The only thing that keeps Emporia alive in my mind is the university and the students attending. Granted a portion of Tyson, Westars new Power Plant, Hills Pet Food and Dolly Madison helps bring economic revenue to the town.
In my honest opinion Ms. Walters and her ban happy tyrannts need to worry more about the State of Health of Emporia and not wethere smoking, second hand smoke or energy drinks are harmful to me or not.
Just my .02
January 27, 2009 at 5:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
josiesbar (anonymous) says...
limuwell,
By contributing to this Web site, you:
• Agree not to solicit others. You agree not to contribute for the purposes of advertising or to solicit anyone to buy or sell products or services, or to make donations of any kind, or to promote other web sites, without our express written approval, or where expressly permitted.
This is from the User Poser Agreement Policy. Thanks.
January 27, 2009 at 6:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pingeon (anonymous) says...
EDA can present the information all they want, that is fine. To go farther than that, I believe is a bit much.
Does it seem odd to anyone else that the US buses their kids to school and then requires them to take PE? Times have sure changed. (At least that's what my parents tell me, I was bused myself...)
January 27, 2009 at 9:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
romano1784 (anonymous) says...
I can only tell things as I see them. It just seems odd that Emporians for Drug Awarness is at it again. Kids shouldn't be drinking these things in my mind, I wouldnt let my son drink them. However I dont let my son have more than 16oz of soda a week either. The parents need to start making decisions. Too many kids are overweight, lazy, and confrontational. Test scores around the country are dropping, schools seem to care less and less, many parents cant or dont even seem to notice. A kid down the street from me had been suspended from school three times last year and all the parents (friends of mine) said was, "He is just going to a phase, he'll grow out of it.)
I know this has little to do with energy drinks, but come on. How hard is it for parents to just tell their kids no you cant have any and enforce it? I tell my son no, I mean no and he knows I mean no.
January 27, 2009 at 10:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
apsuz (anonymous) says...
I can't understand why any parent would give these to young children. I recently had a second job at a convenience store and watched several parents buy these drinks for kids as young as 5 or 6 on a regular basis. As a parent myself, I don't understand why any child would need an energy drink. I limit the amount of sugar in my family, I'm definately not going to give an energy drink, or other caffienated beverage to a child (including soda). If children's nutritional needs are being met with healthy foods and drinks, there should be no need for extra energy (unless there is some underlying health problem, in which case a trip to the physician is in order). Unfortunately, it seems that in today's world many people are just in a hurry and care more about convenience than proper nutrition (among many other things).
Personally, I think there should be an age limit on these energy drinks. Not to take away anyone's right to choose, but to protect those young impressionable minds that are most likely not well-informed about all the possible effects of these drinks. I know that they may seem harmless enough, after all they are... "natural", "herbal" or "extra vitamins". But none of these things signify that something is good for you. Many illicit drugs are "all natural" but are proven to be unhealthy. Even with vitamins, too much can be dangerous (which is why there are recommended daily allowances set). And at least one energy drink (ok, as an informed adult I admit to drinking a Java Monster on occassion) has a warning (in small print) that states, "Consume responsibly- limit 3 cans per day. Not recommended for children, pregnant women or people sensitive to caffiene."
January 28, 2009 at 1:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
See the above post on how to start a ban by EMPORIANS FOR DRUG AWARENESS. A news release on the dangers of a legal product, and a warning we must protect the children. Then somone pops up with the idea that perhaps this product should be regulated by age. Then later maybe banned completely.
Do you people know that EDA is the same entiity that used to be called DARE. You know , that old orginization that was proven nationwide to be ineffective in curbing DRUG ABUSE . Only here in Emporia, instead of de-funding a proven ineffective program, and using the funds in another program, such as Corner House or the mental health center,our city just renamed it and upped its funding.
And so it goes.
Steve Corbin
An American
January 28, 2009 at 4:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MisterO (anonymous) says...
Oh! Think of the CHILDREN!...
"As long as the government is perceived as working for the benefit of the children, the people will happily endure almost any curtailment of liberty and almost any deprivation." ...Aldof Hitler, Mein Kamph
I'm all for giving parents the tools and information they need to make decisions for their own children - including the information given in the article on energy drinks. It doesn't hurt anything to make parents aware of these things.
But that's where it should stop. It needs to be up to the parent to do the parenting.
Given the results of EDAs last crusade, the reaction to this article should hardly be a surprise.
January 28, 2009 at 5:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Don't you think it is a little suspicious, that the very same person and people who just happen to be the head and members of the EDA and CAE, who proposed a smoking ban and got it approved. Well, these very same people are now attempting to use almost the same exact tactics, to possibly promote a ban on " energy drinks" !
Let me remind you that the tactics that these same people used to get a smoking ban, started exactly the same way. First with a warning that smoke and shs was bad for us and our children and would cause all kinds of terrible illnesses and health problems, even going to kill anyone who was exposed to it, ( SCARE TACTIC). Then with this type of scare tactic, they gain the support of gullible people, then comes the petition, presented to commissioners, to force the approval of a ban without a public vote.
I see this latest energy drink warning from the head of the EDA and CAE and its members as the start of another campaign or crusade for these self appointed rulers of the realm of Emporia to eventually try and force yet another ban upon the unsuspecting citizens of the realm of Emporia.
And you "slippery slope " skeptics don't believe in a " slippery slope " theory ! Well I am telling you I feel the slope getting a little more slippery !
January 28, 2009 at 8:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pollyanna (anonymous) says...
Seriously..are some of you high? what's up with the paranoia???? Did I read something different than everyone else?
"Elementary-school students’ frequent use of energy drinks has sparked a caution from Emporians for Drug Awareness."
Where in that sentence is any indication of an upcoming ban?
Break out your constitutions people, get a petition started to fight for the right for 5 and 6 year olds to swig high caffeine energy drinks!! Puullease. Put this into perspective.
This is simply information to parents and other adults to make people aware that these drinks are not healthy for our kids. In a perfect world, everyone would know this and kids would only drink water, milk and orange juice. Unfortunately, lots of parents like a little help and information along the way.
Given the title of their jobs..Emporians for Drug Awareness...just exactly what would you like to see the organization doing? Cause the way I read it..this caution is making people aware of an unehalthy product many kids and parents may not understand.
January 28, 2009 at 9:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Pollyanna
If this stays as only an "FYI" all is good but the problem is some aren't satisfied with the results of simply educating people. For the last 30 yrs. at least, the public has been getting a good and intense education on the harms of smoking and it's working really well. Less people are starting to smoke and more people are quitting. Because of this there are fewer and fewer places that allow smoking because the demand isn't there. The problem comes when people aren't satisfied with education and reasonable regulation and decide to step over the bounds of the free market. We have seen this done recently, in case you haven't heard. So hopefully you are correct and this will stay only an educational tool to help parents but I wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't.
January 28, 2009 at 9:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jmcmannis (anonymous) says...
rbow, thank you for the that tidbit. I had no idea EDA was the former DARE program dressed in a different skirt and makeup. Do know what training these people that run it have to make the decision about smoking, SHS, or energy drinks? I know of one energy drink they made illegal for a while but now it is packaged as gum and disguised in another bottle under a new name.
I dont know about anybody else but we have bigger problems than worrying about what someing one is inhaling (smoke/SHS) or drinking (energy drinks). As a taxpayer of Emporia quit wasting my hard earn dollars on these intrusions of my private life and take a frigging chill pill.
January 28, 2009 at 10:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Pollyanna- In case you didn't know it, the smoking and no smoking issue started out as an education blitz, some 40 or 50 years ago, as a " smoking may be hazardous to your health" education idea and look what that issue has turned into an all out assault on the ability of informed people to make a choice for themselves whether they want to do something or not.
And this " ENERGY DRINK " thing is starting out the same way. If you as a parent believe that you do not have the right to educate your children as to the risks, and evils in the real world or if you do not care to take that responsiblility, then by all means you need all the help and education you can get. But, believe- you me there are people in the world and in Emporia that will force decisions upon you, whether you want their so called beliefs, way of living and way of life or not. And the head of the EDA and CAE is only one of many.
January 28, 2009 at 11:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pollyanna (anonymous) says...
The point is that this is not about smoking! This is not about taking anyone's rights away. Take the information at face value. You cannot assume this is going to be the next great ban in our city.
In my opionion, EDA is doing its job with this news release yet there is a whole hornets nest of people ready to get out the noose and once again slaughter names and organizations. Shouldn't there be some semblance of civil respect and discourse even in times of disagreement?
And yes, I do feel as though I have the ability and responsibilty to educate my kids, thank you. I feel as though I'm doing a heckuva job, too. I'll take all the help I can get in the form of education or health updates or improved ways to keep my kids healthy and thriving.
January 28, 2009 at 2:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Pollyanna
Did you even read my post?
January 28, 2009 at 2:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pollyanna (anonymous) says...
Seriously:
Yes I read your post. I get it. You are concerned this will not remain simply an educational tool.
The difference is that I'm not going to assume anything other than what it is. You don't seem quite so sure. Your opinion, I respect it. Just don't see it the same way.
January 28, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
League of Women Voters
DARE
now, Emporians for Drug Awareness
Some names around town have a consistent history and the top name we think of with this newest organization has a lot of predictability. Dr. Phil sums a well known concept up nicely when he says, "The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior."
Sometimes, it isn't paranoia, just educated predictions.
January 28, 2009 at 2:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...
The way I see it, if Teresa Walters name was no where in this article it would have gotton no more than Maybe 3 to 5 posts, But because it had her name in it, everybody thinks its time to bring in the smoking ban issue AGAIN, Give it a rest already, All I got from the artilce was, Hey, there is better ways for kids to have more energy than drinking high levels of caffeine. WOW, big news! I think most reasonable folks knew that already, So, there really wasnt much point to the story other than filling space in the paper.
January 28, 2009 at 3:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
apsuz (anonymous) says...
Steve (rbow),
I only believe there should be an age limit because young children in elementary school really shouldn't be drinking these. I absolutely do not think they should be banned, just that they should at least be limited to people that can read and understand the ingredients and possible side effects. I also don't think that driving, smoking or drinking should be banned, but I agree with having age limits on those also.
January 29, 2009 at 1:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
glarson (anonymous) says...
Let's move to a news forum:
http://www.emporiagazette.com/forums/...
January 29, 2009 at 7:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )