Fat Asses in Khaki

There was a report on ABC news tonight that 2 in 10 males and 4 in 10 females of recruiting age are too heavy to meet the military's weight limits. Plus, the military boots out thousands a year for failing to stay within weight requirements.

This is one area where presidential leadership is needed, now. I know that President Bush (himself a fitness kind of guy) has spoken out on fitness, a little. But let's use that bully pulpit, Mr. President, before the cheese fries and meat-loving pizzas do what the terrorists will never be able to do. This is a bipartisan issue, believe me.

This is also one area where there could be some corporate responsibility. Think of the N.F.L. The N.F.L. likes to stress its community activism, but how about a new ad campaign stressing how sports is not just something that you watch--sports are also something that you do. And you means you, fat ass football fans.

BTW--the military standards aren't that hard. Don't tell the draft board, but I could meet the fitness test standards hungover, in 90º heat.