MAILBAG:

It was the leading story in major newspapers and TV news programs last month. More than 100 million people are being driven deeper into poverty by a “silent tsunami” of rising food prices, according to World Food Program Executive Director Josette Sheeran.

A dozen countries have experienced food riots and strikes.

Prices for basic food staples such as rice, wheat, corn and soybeans have skyrocketed in recent months. They are driven by rising fuel and fertilizer prices, diversion of corn to produce biofuels, drought in key food-producing countries, soil depletion through overgrazing, and growing demand for meat in China and other developing nations. The resulting hunger kills an astonishing 24,000 per day. It affects millions of Americans, and some U.S. stores are already rationing food.

The good news is that even a small shift toward a plant-based diet in the U.S. and other developed countries would free up enough land, water and fuel to feed everyone. Every one of us can start abating world hunger today, by reducing our consumption of meat and other animal products and by supporting food distribution agencies. (For more information, see www.thehungersite.org.)

Henry Redfield

Huntington Beach

‘Helping kids’ doesn’t hold water for motto

The more ardent religious folks continue to promote God in a governmental setting. This is blatantly in violation of the separation of church and state. Why must American citizens constantly resist a “religious right” mentality that wants to introduce a divinity to all our endeavors? Disingenuous arguments such as “patriotism,” “helping the children” or “promoting morality” in no way justify weakening the establishment clause. Let us hope we have some officials and politicians with enough gumption to help keep governmental agencies secular.

Javier Regalado

Huntington Beach

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Board has bigger issues than mottoes

If the Ocean View School Board has time and money to waste debating the absurd issue of putting a religious motto on school property, then there must be no problems in the district to solve. If so, great job, folks! Take the rest of the year off. If any board members are feeling generous, they could donate to a much worthier cause such as classroom supplies.