Prince Charles Wants McDonald’s Ban
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James Joyner | Wednesday, February 28, 2007 |
The heir to the UK’s constitutional monarchy would like to ban the world’s most popular restaurant.
The Prince of Wales hit out at McDonald’s yesterday, suggesting that banning the US chain was the “key” to children eating more healthily. His controversial comment provoked an immediate reaction from the fast-food company, which called the words “disappointing” and accused Prince Charles of being out of touch with its menu changes.
The Prince spoke as he and the Duchess of Cornwall visited a diabetes centre in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates and watched children packing healthy lunch boxes to encourage awareness of the disease.
As nutritionist Nadine Tayara told him they discourage children from eating fast food, he retorted: “Have you got anywhere with McDonald’s, have you tried getting it banned? That’s the key.”
While I personally find McDonald’s food to be among the worst of the fast food chains–and that’s saying something–the idea of a government ban on its product is outrageous. Indeed, I’m sure there would have been something in Magna Carta prohibiting it, had the chain been around in 1215.
Moreover, as David Weigel observes, it’s a rather amusing comment coming from the would-be king of the Britons.
Long before Ray Kroc's leviathan slithered onto Charles' shores, Britons had some of the worst dietary habits on the planet. They breakfasted on a mound of saturated fats - black pudding, sausages, the rest of the "fry-up." They drank heavy, liver-mutilating beers. They ate seafood and potatoes fried in enough oil to power a retrofitted Aston Martin. The chief evolution of British food in the last few decades was the mainstreaming of Indian cuisine, carbohydrates and barely-legal meats slathered in creamy sauces. Oh, and then there are the British hamburger chains which predate the franchising of McDonalds.
But the threatened banning of Wimpy’s wouldn’t catch anyone’s attention.
Dan Collins has a better idea: “Time to Ban Royals from Opening Their Yaps.” The suggestion is accompanied by some profane suggestions for added emphasis.
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The idea of the British monarchy is frankly outrageous.
They're essentially a tourist attraction these days.
While I personally find McDonald’s food to be among the worst of the fast food chains–and that’s saying something–the idea of a government ban on its product is outrageous.
Because?
Government can't ban products that are a health threat? Better tell that to the makers of DDT and Thalidomide, they might find it surprising.
There is nothing remotely "outrageous" about a government regulating commerce. That's precisely what they are there for, mostly.
The British are just jealous. McDonald's is the best restaurant in most British towns :-)
Now lets talk about taxing burgers and using the funds for healthcare!
Government can’t ban products that are a health threat? Better tell that to the makers of DDT and Thalidomide, they might find it surprising.
Sure which is why we are going to ban cars, pools, buckets, hair dryers and liquor.
There is nothing remotely “outrageous” about a government regulating commerce. That’s precisely what they are there for, mostly.
You mean other than the fact that it is authoritarian, no it isn't outrageous I guess. I mean who are we to go around engaging in what we believe to be mutually advantageous transactions. Why it is an outrage.
if i had to live under socialized healthcare i would definetely want Fast Food and Smoking banned. Why should i pay for other peoples bad habits.
Maybe if the prince helps Al Gore to stop looking like Jabba the Hutt and sign on to saving the world, Gore will help the prince fight global warming caused by too many hamburgers grilling.
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The idea of the British monarchy is frankly outrageous.