The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Bush’s remark

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Wednesday, May 07, 2008
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Bush’s remark

U.S. President George W. Bush’s comment, attributing the global rise in food prices to the improved food habits of the Indian middle class, was outrageous. But it also served a purpose. It reinforced that Indians, irrespective of their political affiliations, can unite against a common adversary. Another heartening aspect is the admission by the Bush administration that India is on the path of growth and prosperity. It should make us proud and happy.

K.V. Ravindran,

Payyanur

* * *

It is nice to hear from the President of the richest nation that India is becoming prosperous. But what does he have to say about the finding that America leads in the number of obese people? And doesn’t he know there are millions starving in India?

S. Vidhyalalitha,

Vellore

* * *

How ridiculous the observation of Mr. Bush and his Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is becomes evident if one goes through the data collected by the FAO. According to it, the consumption of cereals (wheat, rice, maize, corn, etc.) in the U.S, whose population is equivalent to the Indian middle class, is growing at a higher rate compared to India. For the world food crisis, it is the U.S. and the developed countries of Europe that are largely responsible. The diversion of food production for the preparation of bio-fuels, the encouragement of limitless future trading in food articles, and limitless forward trading in oil futures in the U.S. have led to the increase in the price of crude oil and high cost of transportation of food articles.

Ramakrishna Sastry,

Anantapur

* * *

The Indian middle class has risen to prosperity by hard work and dedication. It has provided recruits to many industries the world over. It is only logical that those belonging to the Indian middle class have rich food and a better lifestyle. But Mr. Bush’s remark, attributing the world food crisis to the middle class of the world’s largest democracy, shows the U.S.’ hegemonic and imperialistic attitude.

R. Mercy Latha,

Tuticorin

* * *

Commerce Minister Kamal Nath ascribed inflation and price rise to India’s recent economic boom. He pointed out that more families are eating at least one full meal a day and families that hitherto ate one meal are now eating two meals. Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar blamed the rise in wheat prices on the changing dietary habits of south Indians, who consume more wheat now. These remarks are scarcely very different from those of Mr. Bush.

K.S. Jayatheertha,

Bangalore

* * *

Many of us are hurt by Mr. Bush’s statement. However, to some extent, he is right. Today, we find that many Indians have become obese. Eating has become a pastime. The number of hotels, roadside vendors, junk food joints, sweet shops, and bakeries has increased and they are crowded most of the time. The lavish food served at functions, meetings and conferences should be seen to be believed! Let us ask ourselves whether we are not eating too much for the kind of activity we do. Is it not possible to change over to a healthy diet? There is a lot of sense in Mr. Bush’s comment if it is taken in the right perspective.

D. Mohan,

Bangalore

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