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GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!
Member since 11/06 26792 total posts
Name:
Shawn
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Junk food foes to McDonald's: Retire Ronald!
http://money.cnn.com/2011/05/18/news/companies/mcdonalds_retire_ronald/index.htm?hpt=Sbin
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Ronald McDonald, the orange and white face of the popular fast-food chain that bears his name, is under attack by nutrition advocates who want him to be retired.
Their beef, so to speak, is that McDonald's uses clowns and toys to sell unhealthy food to impressionable children. The company argues that its marketing practices are responsible, and that its food is "high quality."
The push to retire Ronald is being led by a group called Corporate Accountability International, which plans to introduce a resolution calling for the clown's ouster at the company's annual shareholder meeting Thursday.
In addition, a group of Philadelphia nuns filed a proxy resolution in March asking McDonald's to investigate its "policy response" to concerns about the link between fast food and childhood obesity.
Ronald McDonald, one of the world's most recognizable clowns, has been the company's mascot since 1971.
He's been the mascot since 1971, and nobody complained about childhood obesity in the 70s, so it's obviously not "his" fault.... 
It's easier to ignore facts, and just point fingers.
My DC aren't overweight... maybe it's just partially due to the fact that when they ask for McD's, I say "no".... it's amazing that when I don't drive them there, they don't eat there.... I wonder if there's a correlation....
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Posted 5/19/11 8:16 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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Janice
Sweet Jessie Quinn
Member since 5/05 27567 total posts
Name:
Janice
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Re: Junk food foes to McDonald's: Retire Ronald!
Well one thing is for sure...these kids definitely are not riding bikes and heading to the clown to do a song and dance number for a burger.
Parents are out of their minds...COOK! The real clown in this situation=MOM!
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| Posted 5/19/11 8:25 AM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: Junk food foes to McDonald's: Retire Ronald!
As I always say...............it's not some dumb little toy or silly mascot that is making kids fat. What's making kids fat is lazy, irresponsible parenting. We had mascots, toys, commercials aimed at kids, and more when I was growing up and guess what............kids weren't fat lard a$$es. Instead of trying to place the blame on everyone and everything around them parents need to take responsibility for the unhealthy choices THEY are making for THEIR kids. A 6 year old can't get in the car and feed his face at McDonald's. He needs someone to get that for him.
People can't be really so stupid as to think that if Ronald McDonald isn't around kids will magically be thin right??? Guess what, no matter what the mascot is or if there is a toy given or not the same parents who bring their kids to eat at fast food chains multiple times a week will continue to do so. All of this discussion of mascots and toys and what fast food chains responsibilities are to the public is IDIOTIC!!.............it's not McDonald's job to raise your kid and ensure they grow up healthy, it's a parents job! Parents need to stop passing the buck and expecting everyone else to take care of and look out for THEIR kids.
EDIT - My Mom cooked EVERY night, she limited how much snack we could have, we weren't allowed to just help ourselves to food in the kitchen, and we were encouraged to always go outside and play and my 2 siblings and I were ALWAYS healthy and very thin. Healthy, thin kids come from homes where parents are doing their job!
Message edited 5/19/2011 8:27:14 AM.
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| Posted 5/19/11 8:25 AM |
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CaMacho
Sisters :)
Member since 7/06 15112 total posts
Name:
Jess
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Re: Junk food foes to McDonald's: Retire Ronald!
Ridiculous. These people don't have better things to do with their time? If you don't like the burgers, the clown or the message then don't go there.
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| Posted 5/19/11 8:32 AM |
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Re: Junk food foes to McDonald's: Retire Ronald!
I do feel it'd be great to get rid of that clown...
...along with many other things (like aspartame sweeteners and High Fructose Corn Syrup), etc
Many parents really try hard to cultivate healthy eating habits, and then every restaurant (or entertainment park) has kids meals of mac and cheese, fries and nuggets, pizza, etc.
Or you go to the check out line and there is candy galore.
On rare occasions DS will get a treat, and he's not overweight, but do I wish things were a bit easier for me to reinforce healthy eating habits outside of my house? Yes.
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| Posted 5/19/11 8:36 AM |
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Re: Junk food foes to McDonald's: Retire Ronald!
Posted by Hofstra26
Healthy, thin kids come from homes where parents are doing their job!
there are exceptions, of course.
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| Posted 5/19/11 8:37 AM |
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GioiaMia
Let's Go Rangers!
Member since 1/07 14818 total posts
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Re: Junk food foes to McDonald's: Retire Ronald!
OH PLEASE
I ate McDonald's as a kid. You know when? ON REPORT CARD NIGHT. Yup, so what is that four times a year? It was a treat.
Every other night I was the kid eating stinky liver, smelly broccoli rabe and mushy lentils!
This is one of the stupidest things I have ever heard.
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| Posted 5/19/11 8:43 AM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: Junk food foes to McDonald's: Retire Ronald!
Posted by LadyBugN2Buggies
Posted by Hofstra26
Healthy, thin kids come from homes where parents are doing their job!
there are exceptions, of course.
There are exceptions to everything but I believe that how a child is parented makes ALL the difference in the world in how a child grows up.........physically, mentally, and emotionally.
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| Posted 5/19/11 8:44 AM |
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jerseypanda
Life is good.
Member since 1/07 9164 total posts
Name:
Amanda
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Re: Junk food foes to McDonald's: Retire Ronald!
Growing up, if it was a nice day outside my mom would literally kick me and my brother out of the house!  She would tell us it was a beautiful day... go outside and play. And we spent hours running around outside.
I think the thinking that Ronald McDonald as a mascot or the toys in a happy meal being linked to childhood obesity are ridiculous.
I also believe that times are different today that are causing our children to not be outside as much. Growing up we were in a neighborhood where all the neighborhood kids would just run around from one house to the next and our parents were not worried. They knew that all the other parents were watching out for each other's children. I don't think it's the same today. Now you have more parents working, more crazy people out there that have parents scared. Hence, less children running free outside for hours. I also think the increase in technology is not helping... although we had Atari and Nintendo when I was growing up... but our PARENTS monitored how much we were allowed to use it.
I think there are many factors contributing to childhood obesity ... NONE of which are Ronald McDonald and happy meal toys. Parents need to own up and take responsibility for their kids instead of trying to pass the buck. Even if they got rid of Ronald McDonald and the happy meal toys... there is still going to be childhood obesity because nobody has addressed the real problem.
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| Posted 5/19/11 8:46 AM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: Junk food foes to McDonald's: Retire Ronald!
Posted by jerseypanda
Growing up, if it was a nice day outside my mom would literally kick me and my brother out of the house! She would tell us it was a beautiful day... go outside and play. And we spent hours running around outside.
I think the thinking that Ronald McDonald as a mascot or the toys in a happy meal being linked to childhood obesity are ridiculous.
I also believe that times are different today that are causing our children to not be outside as much. Growing up we were in a neighborhood where all the neighborhood kids would just run around from one house to the next and our parents were not worried. They knew that all the other parents were watching out for each other's children. I don't think it's the same today. Now you have more parents working, more crazy people out there that have parents scared. Hence, less children running free outside for hours. I also think the increase in technology is not helping... although we had Atari and Nintendo when I was growing up... but our PARENTS monitored how much we were allowed to use it.
I think there are many factors contributing to childhood obesity ... NONE of which are Ronald McDonald and happy meal toys. Parents need to own up and take responsibility for their kids instead of trying to pass the buck. Even if they got rid of Ronald McDonald and the happy meal toys... there is still going to be childhood obesity because nobody has addressed the real problem.
 My thoughts EXACTLY!!!
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| Posted 5/19/11 8:48 AM |
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clmj2
cant believe hes gone
Member since 3/07 4407 total posts
Name:
Candice
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Re: Junk food foes to McDonald's: Retire Ronald!
i dont think the clown is to blame for all the large children these days! like the other posters have stated, they dont get to McDonalds themselves, their parents take them.
McDonalds and any other fast food is a treat in my home, and it was as a child too. DD goes outside to play when its nice out, when its not we play in the playroom inside or do housework together!
parents need to take responsibility and not put the blame on others for how big their children are (unless there is a medical reason of course!)
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| Posted 5/19/11 8:52 AM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: Junk food foes to McDonald's: Retire Ronald!
Posted by LadyBugN2Buggies
I do feel it'd be great to get rid of that clown...
...along with many other things (like aspartame sweeteners and High Fructose Corn Syrup), etc
Many parents really try hard to cultivate healthy eating habits, and then every restaurant (or entertainment park) has kids meals of mac and cheese, fries and nuggets, pizza, etc.
Or you go to the check out line and there is candy galore.
On rare occasions DS will get a treat, and he's not overweight, but do I wish things were a bit easier for me to reinforce healthy eating habits outside of my house? Yes.
So if they get rid of clown all of a sudden your job is easier??? You DS will never want a french fry or a hamburger? And if they move the candy he will NEVER think to want chocolate or licorice??? Let's be honest, nobody said parenting is easy and there will always be obstacles to contend with (food, people, places, etc) but it's YOUR job to navigate those obstacles and raise your kid. Sorry but I don't think anyone has an obligation to make your job easier.
And ultimately, when it comes to all this fast food chatter in the end what is offered is what sells. Nobody wants to go to an amusement park and eat carrots. I am a grown adult who eats fairly healthy and even I want junkie "treat" food when I am going out to eat or at an amusement park. But the fact is, these things are a treat and I don't eat like that EVERY day. The problem with childhood obesity is parents that feed their kids these "treats" on an almost daily basis.
Message edited 5/19/2011 8:56:49 AM.
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| Posted 5/19/11 8:56 AM |
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GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!
Member since 11/06 26792 total posts
Name:
Shawn
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Re: Junk food foes to McDonald's: Retire Ronald!
Posted by LadyBugN2Buggies
I do feel it'd be great to get rid of that clown...
...along with many other things (like aspartame sweeteners and High Fructose Corn Syrup), etc
Artificial sweeteners have kept me, and most other diabetics, from dieing or going blind, so I'm all for aspartame.... 
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| Posted 5/19/11 9:27 AM |
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BriBri2u
L'amore vince sempre
Member since 5/05 9320 total posts
Name:
Mrs. B
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Re: Junk food foes to McDonald's: Retire Ronald!
IF your kid is fat it's because you're making them fat...end of story. Nothing about parenting is easy. It's called common sense.
How can people argue this? Everyone knows a home cooked meal versus a fast food meal is healthier - added oils, preservatives etc...if you don't want your kid eating these additives than cook.
Like a pp stated growing up McDonalds was a bi-yearly outing in our household. When we did go, we had a hamburger and french fries, no nuggets, or big mac etc.
Fast food in my home growing up was pizza and my mom made her own most of the time with fresh veggies from the garden.
People need to stop pointing the finger and take responsibility of their own.
Message edited 5/19/2011 9:29:51 AM.
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| Posted 5/19/11 9:28 AM |
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Sandy55
My family ROCKS!!!
Member since 2/08 1219 total posts
Name:
Sandy
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Re: Junk food foes to McDonald's: Retire Ronald!
It's not Ronald's fault! Leave him alone!
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| Posted 5/19/11 9:32 AM |
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annoyedTTCer
LIF Adult
Member since 4/09 3272 total posts
Name:
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Re: Junk food foes to McDonald's: Retire Ronald!
Posted by LadyBugN2Buggies
I do feel it'd be great to get rid of that clown...
...along with many other things (like aspartame sweeteners and High Fructose Corn Syrup), etc
Many parents really try hard to cultivate healthy eating habits, and then every restaurant (or entertainment park) has kids meals of mac and cheese, fries and nuggets, pizza, etc.
Or you go to the check out line and there is candy galore.
On rare occasions DS will get a treat, and he's not overweight, but do I wish things were a bit easier for me to reinforce healthy eating habits outside of my house? Yes.
It is your job as a parent to raise a healthy happy kid, your job alone.
Some kids like having mac and cheese as a treat now and then. Should they be denied so life can be a little easier for you?
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| Posted 5/19/11 9:44 AM |
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annoyedTTCer
LIF Adult
Member since 4/09 3272 total posts
Name:
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Re: Junk food foes to McDonald's: Retire Ronald!
Posted by BriBri2u
IF your kid is fat it's because you're making them fat...end of story. Nothing about parenting is easy. It's called common sense.
How can people argue this? Everyone knows a home cooked meal versus a fast food meal is healthier - added oils, preservatives etc...if you don't want your kid eating these additives than cook.
Like a pp stated growing up McDonalds was a bi-yearly outing in our household. When we did go, we had a hamburger and french fries, no nuggets, or big mac etc.
Fast food in my home growing up was pizza and my mom made her own most of the time with fresh veggies from the garden.
People need to stop pointing the finger and take responsibility of their own.
Exactly! well said
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| Posted 5/19/11 9:45 AM |
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acm1899
LIF Adult
Member since 1/11 1085 total posts
Name:
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Re: Junk food foes to McDonald's: Retire Ronald!
How about instead of spending your time petitioning a red and yellow clown, you go and spend some quality activity time with your kids? Now there's an IDEA!
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| Posted 5/19/11 10:00 AM |
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BellaRock
I am all the Me I will ever Be
Member since 5/06 9746 total posts
Name:
She who shall remain nameless
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Re: Junk food foes to McDonald's: Retire Ronald!
Posted by jerseypanda
Growing up, if it was a nice day outside my mom would literally kick me and my brother out of the house! She would tell us it was a beautiful day... go outside and play. And we spent hours running around outside.
I think the thinking that Ronald McDonald as a mascot or the toys in a happy meal being linked to childhood obesity are ridiculous.
I also believe that times are different today that are causing our children to not be outside as much. Growing up we were in a neighborhood where all the neighborhood kids would just run around from one house to the next and our parents were not worried. They knew that all the other parents were watching out for each other's children. I don't think it's the same today. Now you have more parents working, more crazy people out there that have parents scared. Hence, less children running free outside for hours. I also think the increase in technology is not helping... although we had Atari and Nintendo when I was growing up... but our PARENTS monitored how much we were allowed to use it.
I think there are many factors contributing to childhood obesity ... NONE of which are Ronald McDonald and happy meal toys. Parents need to own up and take responsibility for their kids instead of trying to pass the buck. Even if they got rid of Ronald McDonald and the happy meal toys... there is still going to be childhood obesity because nobody has addressed the real problem.
totally agree.
We had super Nintendo growing up and I can tell you that I was only allowed to play with it after dinner for an hour on the weekends. I spent all day playing in my backyard.
My mother would never let us stay inside on a nice day. She hated seeing us on the couch watching tv doing nothing and we knew that once she saw us doing nothing she would come up with a list of housework for us to do. so we always made sure to be outside playing lol. 
My mom always cooked. M-Sun. If on a rare occasion we ate out it was Chinese food.
My DS don't eat McD, BK, Wendys or anything else like that. We don't eat it either. I cook all the time and if I am not going to cook (which doesn't happen all that often anymore) then its pizza or Chinese food. So unless my kids have the money and learn to drive they aren't getting it.
Ronald McDonald isn't picking these children up and taking him to these places to get a burger. Leave that dang clown alone (and I hate clowns lol).
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| Posted 5/19/11 10:02 AM |
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memi7206
LIF Adult
Member since 3/11 2355 total posts
Name:
Due Dec 29th!!!!!
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Re: Junk food foes to McDonald's: Retire Ronald!
good lord, they barely even use him for marketing anymore.
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| Posted 5/19/11 10:11 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Junk food foes to McDonald's: Retire Ronald!
Posted by Tilde
OH PLEASE
I ate McDonald's as a kid. You know when? ON REPORT CARD NIGHT. Yup, so what is that four times a year? It was a treat.
Every other night I was the kid eating stinky liver, smelly broccoli rabe and mushy lentils!
This is one of the stupidest things I have ever heard.
YEP! We ate McD's every now and then in our house- along with other poor choices and I was never obese. I was actually underweight as a child.
It's all about moderation.
People have no clue had to moderate themselves in ANYTHING so they want to ruin it for those of us who do!
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| Posted 5/19/11 10:44 AM |
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MrsA1012
love my little girl !
Member since 9/10 5777 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Junk food foes to McDonald's: Retire Ronald!
Posted by Hofstra26
As I always say...............it's not some dumb little toy or silly mascot that is making kids fat. What's making kids fat is lazy, irresponsible parenting. We had mascots, toys, commercials aimed at kids, and more when I was growing up and guess what............kids weren't fat lard a$$es. Instead of trying to place the blame on everyone and everything around them parents need to take responsibility for the unhealthy choices THEY are making for THEIR kids. A 6 year old can't get in the car and feed his face at McDonald's. He needs someone to get that for him.
People can't be really so stupid as to think that if Ronald McDonald isn't around kids will magically be thin right??? Guess what, no matter what the mascot is or if there is a toy given or not the same parents who bring their kids to eat at fast food chains multiple times a week will continue to do so. All of this discussion of mascots and toys and what fast food chains responsibilities are to the public is IDIOTIC!!.............it's not McDonald's job to raise your kid and ensure they grow up healthy, it's a parents job! Parents need to stop passing the buck and expecting everyone else to take care of and look out for THEIR kids.
EDIT - My Mom cooked EVERY night, she limited how much snack we could have, we weren't allowed to just help ourselves to food in the kitchen, and we were encouraged to always go outside and play and my 2 siblings and I were ALWAYS healthy and very thin. Healthy, thin kids come from homes where parents are doing their job!
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| Posted 5/19/11 10:44 AM |
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AngnShaun
Sisters
Member since 1/10 21015 total posts
Name:
Ang
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Re: Junk food foes to McDonald's: Retire Ronald!
Posted by memi7206
good lord, they barely even use him for marketing anymore.
i was thinking the same thing...
ETA: if its not one thing its the other... its the toys, no its Ronald...
Message edited 5/19/2011 10:47:26 AM.
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| Posted 5/19/11 10:45 AM |
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MrsA714
Baby #2 is here!
Member since 8/07 8806 total posts
Name:
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Re: Junk food foes to McDonald's: Retire Ronald!
Posted by CaMacho
Ridiculous. These people don't have better things to do with their time? If you don't like the burgers, the clown or the message then don't go there.
ITA!
Only in America would we blame a deranged clown for kids' poor eating habits! If anything, Ronald DETERS me from going to McDonalds! I mean, look at that crazy b@stard! Now Grimace and the Hamburglar on the otherhand...they're ok. Although I'm pretty sure stealing is wrong...
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| Posted 5/19/11 10:54 AM |
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DRMom
Two in Blue
Member since 5/05 20223 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: Junk food foes to McDonald's: Retire Ronald!
My kids have never had McDonald. Burger King or any of that other junk. We try not to eat it either. I certainly don't believe its Ronalds fault that kids are overweight. leave that sadazz clown alone
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| Posted 5/19/11 11:18 AM |
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