First Lady Michelle Obama got a bit of a bum rap last week when some on the right wrenched her comment on the new school lunch program out of context. Justifying an expanded federal program to feed kids healthy breakfasts and lunches at school, she said, “We can’t just leave it up to the parents.” Some radio shouters let fly at her for that. But immediately before that statement, Obama had said, “I meet parents who are working very hard to make sure that their kids are healthy … They’re trying to teach their kids the kind of healthy habits that will stay with them for a lifetime. But … it’s clear that we as a nation have a responsibility to meet as well. We can’t just leave it up to the parents.”

This is not to suggest that Obama’s initiative, which will cost an additional $4.5 billion over the $13 billion we’re already spending, is a good idea. The thrust of the new federal law is to bring the wisdom of the federal government to the task of helping kids become healthier.