03/30/05 Another agreement; Power will be fine

It is not exactly N.A.F.T.A. lite. However, the principals of the North American Free Trade Agreement appear to have renewed their efforts to solve common issues and improve cooperation in matters such as increasing border security, strengthening businesses, and improving the mutual economies of the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America was announced by the three Heads of State during a meeting last week at Baylor University in Texas. U.S. President Bush says yes there are still a myriad of differences that the nations have to resolve, noting a couple of trade issues between the U.S. and Canada. BUSH: You know, a lot is made about softwood lumber and it's clearly a sensitive issue. We had an issue with cows and that is getting resolved. But the President adds that there are more commonalities than differences between the three nations in matters such as increased competition against imports, and combating terrorism and drug trafficking. The Northwest can possibly expect a moderate increase in electric rates due to the drier than normal conditions expected for 2005. However, analysts of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council told the board that there will be enough power to meet demand, and that the region will not face an energy crunch similar to the one experienced in 2000 and 2001.That is because energy demand has declined while generating capacity has increased over the last five years. Now with today's "Food Forethought", here's Susan Allen. ALLEN: Who is to blame for America's overweight children? The parents? Schools? Society? Senator Tom Harkin a Democrat from Iowa, believes that food companies should shoulder much of the responsibility. In a recent press conference, with an office filled with sugary foods in savvy packaging. He pointed out that 10 billion is being spent each year to target children with unhealthy products. I grew up with Tony the Tiger, urging me to eat Frosted Flakes , and I shook the cereal box at just the right angle to reach the prize before my brother, but a growing number of individuals believe that today's advertising is much more persuasive, and should be federally regulated. Sadly 15 % of children are obese, couple this with invasive marketing tempting kids on 24 hour cartoon channels to play with toy fast food or read books where a certain brand of cookie is subliminally featured, and it's a whole new ball game. Funny, I think we faced effective advertising as baby boomers; maybe one striking difference is in the ability of parents to monitor them. I'm Susan Allen and this is Food Forethought.