From: Joan Almon [joan.almon@verizon.net]
Sent: Wednesday, September 04, 2002 10:23 PM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Concerns about advertising to children

To the FDA:

As an adult citizen of the United States I feel overrun by advertising.  It
is so pervasive that it interferes with my right to life, liberty and
pursuit of happiness. Many of the goods which are advertised are injurious
to my health and the sheer abundance of advertising interferes with my
happiness.  At the same time I have felt helpless to stem this onslaught and
am still not sure what my rights are in relation to the corporate world's.

However, I write to you today not to request protection for myself, but
rather as an advocate for children.  They have no inner resources for
withstanding advertising nor for even recognizing an ad from a true and real
statement.  I have worked with pre-school children for 30 years and know
their minds.  They are open, vulnerable and trusting.  Thus they are easy
prey to the advertising world.  I am convinced that it is our duty as adults
to protect children from being manipulated and "coerced" into behaviors that
are counterproductive to their health and well-being.  I am opposed to all
advertising aimed at children, for it amounts to an act of coercion, since
they have no natural defenses against it. But I am particularly opposed to
advertising products which are clearly injurious to children's health and
well-being such as soda, sugary cereals and snacks, and fast foods which are
overloaded with fat.  Obesity in childhood and type 2 diabetes is becoming a
national disaster.  Advertising aimed at children is not the only culprit,
but it is a major one.

Of greatest importance is to stop advertising to children on television,
computers and films especially regarding foods with  a high sugar and fat
content.

Next, stop advertising of all kinds aimed at children on television,
computers and films.

Thirdly, stop all forms of advertising in print or on the screen aimed at
children.

Corporations may have some rights, but they do not compare to the right of a
child to grow up without being subjected to brain washing to get them to buy
a manufacturer's goods.  Please, let us protect our children from the
commercialization of childhood.
Joan Almon
7303 Dartmouth Avenue
College Park, MD 20740
301 699 9058