Chris wrote:
> The phrase in "Clay's" letter to "Tommy" that hit me was this one:
>
> "The IFC is grateful for what Assistant Secretary Keane has done, but
> the industry simply feels that more must be done if this campaign is to
> be at all balanced."
>
> I question why anyone would expect "balance" in a campaign to promote
> breastfeeding over formula feeding. "Balance" implies two equal options.
> Clay, it's a campaign! Doesn't this imply that one option is being
> promoted over the other?
Thank you, Chris, for putting this into words. I'd been talking this
letter over with my husband who sees things more pragmatically than I do at
times. And he heard my tone of voice (which wasn't quite incredulous or
totally
indignant) when I was reading the letter to him and interjected, "Anyone can
pay a lawyer to write anything they want." They paid the right lawyer.
This fellow is quite clever in so many ways. The one you've pointed out here
is blatant. He also refers to his USA position 30 years ago which links him
as an authority with WIC, blithely ignoring any changes that have been made
since then, he equalizes the playing field with familiar tone, and makes a
personal appeal as a father.
But he contradicts himself. He writes, "The concern lies not with the
underlying substance, for the industry fully supports breastfeeding..." yet
goes on
to say in another paragraph, "The formula industry and others question the
scientific validity of these claims [vulnerability to diseases], and they
certainly generate skepticism from me as a father and grandfather."
This is a contradiction, is it not? This is not full support of
breastfeeding. Further, he blurs the line between himself and the industry.
There are
not only no specific arguments cited against "recent studies," he also
ignores
valid time-honored studies that breastfeeding does alter vulnerability to
some diseases. His skepticism hasn't brought him to examine the scientific
literature for himself to make his stand; he conveniently withdraws his
support
by relying on unnamed others and the formula industry to make this decision
for him.
Anyhow, this letter could be used as a prime example of how to be persuasive
without really addressing anything of substance, and of juxtaposing ideas
that are not congruous to make the recipient feel alarmed -- and threatened.
I do so appreciate your paragraphs that followed. Please, dream on!
Mardrey Swenson DC, IBCLC
LLLL
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