Serving Up Doubts on ‘Taco Bashing’

First it was “immigrant bashing,” now it’s “taco bashing.” What next?

The Center for Science in the Public Interest is launching a “behind-the-scenes” attack on tacos and burritos. Its objective is to discredit Mexican food. I don’t think it will have an impact on the taco industry. Tacos, burritos and enchiladas are here to stay.

In 1970-71, I was one of 20 teachers from the Southwest who trained as counselor-consultants for minorities at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. We heard rumors that the Texas Tech home economics department was trying to convince barrio ladies that the Mexican diet was not a healthy one. Four of us met with TTU home-ec. heads and instructors; the results were heartwarming.

We compared a typical Mexican breakfast, lunch and dinner with typical “American” ones. The findings convinced these fine educators that ounce-for-ounce, minerals-vitamins, etc. the Mexican diet was a more healthful one.

My mom and dad (living in the U.S.) passed away at ages 83 and 89, respectively; their diet was 90% Mexican. Two of my dad’s brothers (living in Mexico and easting Mexican food) died at ages 105 and 106.

DONATO VENTURA, Oxnard