McDonald's Takes A Stand Against Leftist Attack

The Golden Arches are still standing. (HT Scrape TV)



Another example of standing up to leftist activism. From the Chicago Sun Times:

"The Center for Science in the Public Interest last month threatened a lawsuit against the fast-food giant to get it to dump the toys that accompany Happy Meals."

Their position:

"McDonald's use of toys undercuts parental authority and exploits young children's developmental immaturity--all this to induce children to prefer foods that may harm their health," the group's litigation director, Stephen Gardner, said at the time. "It's a creepy and predatory practice that warrants an injunction."

The Response:

"Forget it, McDonald's CEO Jim Skinner said, defending Happy Meals in the written response sent to the Washington, D.C.-based group.

"Internet sites, blogs and network surveys suggest that public opinion is running overwhelmingly against your premise," Skinner wrote. "Our customer websites and phone lines at McDonald's are also busy, with more than nine out of 10 customers disagreeing with your agenda."

The strong public response is uncommon for the company, whose dominance in the fast-food industry makes its a target of a range of activist groups.

"CSPI is wrong in its assertions, and frivolous in its legal threats," Skinner said, calling the group's claims "over-the-top rhetoric."

Seeking to turn the tables on the group, Skinner called for an apology.

"CSPI's twisted characterization of McDonald's as 'the stranger in the playground handing out candy to children' is an insult to every one of our franchisees and employees around the world," Skinner wrote. "When CSPI refers to America's children as 'an unpaid drone army," you similarly denigrate parents and families, because they are fully capable of making their own decisions. You should apologize."

God bless Jim Skinner. You have to stand up to these know-it-alls who think they can live your life better than you can. What makes it worse is that they make themselves exempt from the rules they set for everyone else.

Background Reading:

Chicago Sun Times: Happy Meals Here To Stay: McDonald's. Watchdog Group Wanted Fast-Food Giant to Dump Toys
Star-Ledger: McDonald's Angered by Anti-Happy Meal Letter