Friend or foe?

Posted Thursday, April 1, 2010, at 4:42 PM

Ronald McDonald...Friend or Foe?

I was on MSN today and there was mention of a parents group trying to get McDonalds to remove Ronald McDonald as their spokesperson. They say Ronald is part of the epdemic that is childhood obesity.

I can't believe the lovable clown that is Ronald McDonald is being targeted. Yes, McDonalds may not be the healthiest of options for anyone, but how can a clown be responsible for that? If the parents group gets their way then what happens to the Ronald McDonald house? Would they have to rename their places? Would they shut down?

This country needs the Ronald McDonald houses. When my nephew was born, he had to be transported to Sioux City for breathing issues. My sister and brother-in-law spent time at the Ronald McDonald house. They have always raved about it and donate to it whenever they are at McDonalds.

Ronald McDonald is a childhood icon of mine, and I hope he remains as the face of McDonalds for years to come.

Comments
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It seems that this is just another thing to blame their children's problems on. Sure, the clown does appeal to children, but it's the parents that take them there. It's like blaming the TV because a child is violent. It's called a power button, learn to use it. If your kid is obese because he/she eats too much McDonald's, don't take them there. My children would probably eat there everyday if I let them but I don't and I won't.

The Ronald McDonald house is a wonderful thing and helps so many families. I know it would remain the same if it were called something else, but there is no need to. We love Ronald McDonald!

-- Posted by maverickmom on Thu, Apr 1, 2010, at 5:15 PM

Maverickmom makes a good point about the Ronald McDonald houses. Ronald McDonald himself, I think, is a comforting icon, cast as a statue on benches inside the PlayPlaces. Ronald doesn't make people fat -- neither do Wendy or the Burger King. People make people fat by their food choices. All of these places have slightly healthier choices available than their most fat laden meals of cheesy, salty goodness.

-- Posted by AmyPeterson on Fri, Apr 2, 2010, at 11:07 AM

People have been buying their kids happy meals for generations. Its not the food. Its the lack of activity. Internet and gaming. Too many kids dont go outside to play anymore. Its easy to blame fast food. Well...Duh! Fast Food has been around alot longer than this problem!

-- Posted by brian48 on Fri, Apr 2, 2010, at 11:35 AM

brian48.. You are right about the lack of activity however people today eat WAY more fast food than they did when I was a kid. In some families that is all they eat. No, you can't blame fast food but it's still not healthy for you and should be limited, which is the parent's responsibility.Parents need to quit blaming everyone and everything else.

-- Posted by maverickmom on Fri, Apr 2, 2010, at 11:47 AM

All this past week I've noticed the neighbors kids playing out side! It's really good to see!

Ronald McDonald should be left alone. His character is not to blame for the obiesity problems of kids. If anything it is the parents fault. Accept responsibility and move on.

-- Posted by SSGM270 on Sat, Apr 3, 2010, at 10:28 AM

Just don't go there!

-- Posted by weatherdotbrett on Mon, Apr 5, 2010, at 9:27 AM

Comforting icon? Ronald McDonald is the king of creepy scary clowns!

-- Posted by jdessa on Tue, Apr 20, 2010, at 12:23 PM

The Randomness of Life

Heather

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My name is Heather and I've lived in Northwest Iowa most of my life. I have 2 sisters of which I am the middle child. I am a proud aunt to a niece and nephew who I love and adore. I went to South Clay until I finished 6th grade. I then went to Laurens-Marathon where I graduated in 2001. From there I attended NIACC in Mason City where I recieved a college degree in 2003. I started working when I was 16 at K-Mart in Spencer. I have also worked at Wal-Mart in Spencer and at Northwest Communications in Havelock. I am one of those unlucky ones that is currently unemployed. I am also recently divorced. With the loss of a job and the end of a marriage, I am back in the home where I grew up.

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