Texas Commissioner Wants Deep Fryers In School Cafeterias Because 'It's About Freedom'

Sid Miller, the Republican Agricultural Commissioner of Texas — who previously granted amnesty to cupcakes, cakes, pies, and brownies in the state's school system despite efforts from other officials to reduce exploding rates of childhood obesity — is fighting for the right of school districts to install deep fryers.

In an editorial submitted to the Houston Chronicle, Miller elaborated his proposal to allow school districts to install deep fryers and sell soda.

"I believe each school district — not the state or federal government — should decide what foods are offered to students," Miller wrote. "It's about giving back local control and allowing each school district to make the best decision for their community."

If a school district chooses not to implement the proposal, that's fine, says Miller. "That's the beauty here. It's not about French fries; it's about freedom."

Not all officials feel, as Miller apparently does, that children should be asked to choose between fried foods or otherwise.

"I am actually baffled and sorry that Commissioner Miller did what was not good for kids," said former Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs, who was responsible for the ban of both the deep fryer and the soda machine from schools. "If you give children bad choices, they will make them."