Soda Legal War Soon to Begin
Trial lawyers who made a fortune from lawsuits against tobacco companies are moving on to a new potential payday: Suing soft drink companies over the sale of sugary beverages in schools.
Do the kids know soda is bad for them?
Do the companies know selling to kids will hook them for life?
Are the schools responsible?
Is this similar to going after tobacco companies or McDonald's?
Thursday, December 08, 2005
What do you think?
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19 comments:
Wasnt a main point in the suit against tobacco that they were trying to get people addicted? I dont think it was that 'cigarettes are bad', and we are trying to hide that fact. Anyway, its simple. If the govt is going to waste money prosecuting McDonalds or soda companies, they can then spend money after the case telling everyone that McDonalds and soda are bad for you. Oh wait, dont they say that already, game?
My take --
My preference is for school districts *not* push the junk food. However, that is a *choice* individual school boards have to make, not trial lawyers.
In anycase Mom and Dad still buy the groceries. I know at 16 some kids may have small incomes. If they haven't mastered good health by 16, however, things won't get any better when they're on their own at 18.
I am just throwing it out there Rhyno...want to wait a bit more to add my opinion...
As an avid Diet Coke fan and suffering no ill effects from daily use for almost 2 1/2 decades... that's all I got. Except their isn't any common sense left anymore.
Leave soda alone - and the government isn't suing McD's, or soda companies. Money grubbin' trial lawyers are. They help fund the Democratic party. That and space aliens.
I figured I would ask since you are a health teacher. I just remember a lot of anti-fast food or soda when I was in HS health.
Mmmm, diet coke.
First of all, schools have to create an environment for learning...
soda and candy doesn't help them...and they only have this crap so that the school can make money of the kids...
It is also a fact that the obesity rate is going up and up and up and so will your health insurrance preimiums.
No one should be able to sue these people unless they are trying to hurt kids by lying to them...that is why tobacco companies lost...even though anyone who bought a cig after the warning labels were put on should not get a cent.
Schools tell kids what to do all the time...schools don't need to allow kids to get hooked on soda, candy and fast food AT school...if parents want to ruin their kids health then I guess that is their choice...
and yes I do teach about cutting down McDonald's, soda and candy...and the kids all agree that they know it is bad for them, and if they chose to eat it they will suffer and it is their fault...
But if you don't believe healthy food has nothing to do with learning, look at the Natural Oven's food program...featured in "Super-size me"
Many health care facilities are removing their soda machines. Government hospitals were the first to start doing this. I can remember it happening as far back as 2002, but it was probably going on for awhile before that. Lawsuit phobia.
When I asked why the soda machines were being removed, I was told that the mere existence of them implies that the organization is promoting unhealthy choices....that leaves the door open for a lawsuit.
Does the mere existence of a MacDonalds or BK on the corner by the school or hospital indicate guilt? After all, when McD's or BK strategically places their 'restaurants' in areas most likely to bring in customers, aren't they encouraging obesity, heart disease, etc? That will be the next issue. There are already lawsuits filed against both McD and BK by people who claim these 'restaurants' MADE them fat. Personal choice had nothing to do with their obesity, I guess.
I hate it when you are right on steph. The Micket D's by me even have a huge (lack of)nutrition chart on the wall you couldnt miss with a blind man. If you eat at McDonalds too often, you will probably get fat. If you get fat, sorry but its your own damn fault. I cannot understand why people insist on making others pay up for their own lack of judgement. Uhhgh, I refuse to rant.
we should not be able to sue, unless they are lying to us...
But also understand that because so many people are treating their bodies like crap, YOU will have to pay more in health insurrance
Like its affordable to begin with.
More violation of personal liberties and freedoms. This should ultimately be the choice of the school board. They need to balance the income with what they consider to be the students poor choices. Having a choice is one thing we have always loved about this country(a liberal precept by the way).
I understand what you are saying game. You make some very perswasive points. But as far as the health care...a huge number of Americans can't afford it now so it's not much change for them. This is why we need dramatic change in our health care system.
SR.. I agree with your last statement also. See we can agree on some things!:-)
Sorry for so many individual posts but... What if they insisted on true choice? What if they included juice and milk and whatever other nectar they consider "good". I was always pissed that to get the contract, businesses and schools were forced to carry only one brand or maker. Isn't that counter to good ol american competiton. I think exclusive contracts should be against the law.
to make things fair...schools could offer water and natural fruit juice...but make the healthy choices cheaper
I'm with you there game, good idea.
Good idea Game. Once again, problem solved by Game using the KISS principle.
Game for Pres in 2008:)
it only cost me 18000 in student loans to learn that...I'll run for Pres....who's with me!!!
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