Editor,
Concerning the New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board's decision on whether to move forward with banning aspartame, the artificial sweetener, "Delay and deflect" should not be the modus operandi in this matter. So many lives are at stake, and my intent as petitioner is only to prevent further neurodegenerative and carcinogenic damage, as well as the inevitable behavior problems, learning disabilities and birth defects resulting from corporations gratuitously and unnecessarily adding a chemical metabolized as formaldehyde and methanol to 6,000 food products and more than 500 children's medications.
Many other states and nations are watching what the New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board does on this issue and whether it will capitulate entirely to the demands of those reprehensible multinational corporations involved. Our efforts in accordance with Gov. Bill Richardson's Year of the Child initiative have led to an almost complete ban on junk food in the schools starting in 2007.
Aspartame-containing soft drinks for high school students are the only barrier for our New Mexico students, and that is being considered by Dr. Veronica Garcia, the secretary of education.
To protect the entire population of New Mexico - all 1.8 million - and not just the students in public schools is the issue that is at hand. Gov. Richardson has made clear that he wants the board to have hearings on aspartame. Ten members of the New Mexico Senate have asked the governor to ban it using the statute concerning public health emergency in order to prevent further formaldehyde poisoning to New Mexicans who consume aspartame.
If the board capitulates to the demands of the corporations involved to have no hearing, all New Mexico will suffer continued medical damages from aspartame. Those concerned about health and protecting New Mexico's population from further damage from aspartame should come to the July 6 board meeting in Room 311 at the Capitol, make their voices heard, and be made part of the permanent record on this consumer protection imperative. If you can't come in person, please send a fax to Gov. Richardson at 505-476-2276, or e-mail Lt. Gov. Diane Denish at ddenish@aol.com.
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Stephen Fox
Daily Lobo reader
