And No, You Can’t Have Fries With That - Part 2

The last time we addressed Californians’ attempt to do something about our nation’s growing epidemic of freedom, Santa Clara County was moving forward with an ordinance to ban “Happy Meals” that come with toys unless they meet certain nutritional criteria determined by people who are not you.

Perhaps emboldened by their courage to take a stand against free choice, San Francisco is currently in the process of developing its own set of Happy Meal regulations.

As San Francisco Supervisor Eric Mar, the chief proponent of the standards, notes:

''There's nothing more important than the health of our children.”

Which, let’s admit, has for too long been left in the hands of their parents, and not, as is clearly desirable, in the hands of an ethnic studies professor.

One provision being Championed by Mar would mandate that the meals provide children with a serving of fruit or vegetables.  This is designed to ensure that these nutritious foods become a growing part of every Californian landfill.

As Mar says:

"As a parent, it's not just parental choice that decides what meals to serve your children. There's the heavy marketing by an industry that connects food with a toy, and that can be a powerful influence.“

Of course, it’s not just that heavy marketing is a powerful influence on parental choice, it’s that, as in Santa Clara, parents are making the wrong choices.

Really, if you people would just cooperate a little bit more, this would be a whole lot easier.  But if you’re unwilling to choose the apple slices over the French fries, well, somebody is just going to have to make that choice for you.

But don’t feel too badly. Mar doesn’t believe the responsibility really rests with you, anyway, but rather:

“It's the responsibility of the industry to promote healthy choices."

We know what you’re thinking, “I am SO craving a Big Mac right now.”

Also, “I thought it was the responsibility of the industry to provide customers with food they want at prices they are willing to pay.”

That’s the old way of thinking.  The new way is to view restaurants not so much as private businesses offering desirable products at attractive prices but more as social service agencies providing products you would want if you were as good a parent as Eric Mar.

However, Mar is willing to be reasonable.  There is the multigrain compromise for example and a proposal to require only fruit be provided at breakfast, with a legislative aid noting:

"Typically, many people might not eat vegetables for breakfast.”

And people say our leaders are out of touch with the people.

So, to sum up:

1. You are a bad parent.
2. McDonald's is irresponsible.
3. Eric Mar likes children.

Now quit whining and finish your broccoli.  It's the law.

Or at least should be.

J.