Posted 12:36 PM by Floyd

Brilliance in the San Jose Mercury News letters page, 10/26 edition:

THANK you for your enlightening article ``Organic food law takes effect'' (Page 1A, Oct. 21).

As a backyard farmer, I was fascinated by the rigorous procedures that growers must meet to achieve the ``organic'' label.

As mother of young children I was far more interested in the placement of the column on the front page. If wholesome nutrition were more of a national priority I could perhaps convince my children that the home grown vegetables and organic foods we consume are a gift to them, not a perceived embarrassment that separates them from their junk food-devouring friends.

Vivian Carlson
Los Altos

I was a kid once -- as were so many other people -- and I speak from experience when I say that Vivan is exactly right. Here's a hypothetical exchange:

Vivian: Come on kids, eat your vegetables.

Ralph: I hate these vegetables! I want cheesy poofs!

Vivian: But Ralph, they're home-grown and organic.

Ralph: Next time you go to the store, buy some inorganic vegetables.

Barbra: Mom, my friends get to eat McDonalds every single day! They make fun of me for eating things that are green!

Vivian: I've had enough! President Shalala says wholesome nutrition is a national priority. Now eat your food!

Ralph: I'm sorry Mom, I didn't realize it was a national priority.

Barbra: I now see how foolish my behavior was. I'll abandon it immediately.