Guest guest Posted March 10, 2004 Report Share Posted March 10, 2004 Wonder how many of these fat rich politicians own Big Beef stock? House bans fast-food lawsuits From Ted Barrett CNN Washington Bureau Wednesday, March 10, 2004 Posted: 6:42 PM EST (2342 GMT) A lawsuit that accused McDonald's food of contributing to young customers' obesity was dismissed last year. ------ Story Tools ------ VIDEO A House bill seeks to eliminate a consumer's right to sue fast-food chains over weight gain. CNN's Joe Johns reports. PLAY VIDEO YOUR E-MAIL ALERTS Food Justice and Rights Activate or Create your own Manage alerts | What is this? WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill Wednesday to ban lawsuits by obese customers who say they became overweight by eating at fast-food restaurants. The bill, which passed 276 to 139, is one part of a broader Republican push to reform the nation's civil liability laws by banning what many consider to be " frivolous " lawsuits. " Trial lawyers have targeted the fast-food industry as the next big tobacco by bringing these insane lawsuits, " said the bill's author, Rep. Ric Keller, R-Florida, referring to cigarette smokers' litigation against tobacco companies. " We've got to get back to those old-fashioned principles of personal responsibility, of common sense, and get away from this new culture where everybody plays the victim and blames other people for their problems. " Many Democrats opposed the bill, as they did a similar liability waiver the House passed for gun manufacturers last year. " The courts are handling the cases as they should -- if they're frivolous, they're thrown out, " said Rep. Bobby Scott, a Virginia Democrat who opposes the legislation. " That's what everyone else has to go through, and I'm not sure why there's any special case to be made for this industry to have their cases tried in the United States Congress rather than the court. " The National Restaurant Association said the bill is its top priority this year. While only one such lawsuit has been filed -- a case involving New York children against McDonald's that was dismissed -- the industry said it is facing higher insurance costs because of the potential liability. " It's a significant issue simply by the impact it could have on the entire industry if one of these suits were to be successful, " said association spokesman Brendan Flanagan. Some Democrats said they are concerned the bill will make a major sector of the economy exempt from negligence. " There's no justification for that, " a Democratic Judiciary Committee aide said. " These are not poor struggling businesses who can't defend themselves against unfounded legal claims. " Approval of the bill comes at the same time McDonald's and other restaurants are facing pressure to stop offering bargain " super-size " meals. Last week, McDonald's announced it would eliminate the super-size choice, citing the need to simplify its menu. " It's hard to believe that trial lawyers want to make the claim that 'Ronald McDonald made me do it,' " House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, said about the issue. " The point of this debate [is] all about personal responsibility. If you eat too much, you will gain weight. " Companion legislation is pending in the Senate, but a leadership aide couldn't say when or if it will be taken up. " I'm not as good as I once was; but I'm as good once as I ever was! " --Ronnie Hawkins, rockabilly rock & roller Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2004 Report Share Posted March 11, 2004 Although I despise fast-food restaurants and the fact that they serve very unhealthy food, I have to support not allowing people to sue these companies. Everyone has a choice to eat or not eat at fast food and if you're overweight and don't excersise and eat like crap, then it's not their fault that you have a higher rate of diseases. However, I've also heard the argument that Congress shouldn't decide the type of lawsuits, the courts should decide. That is a very legitimate argument and it makes me re-think my stance. BUT, it urks me that people would waste the court's time, resources and everything to pass the blame to anyone but themselves. Instead of discussing whether people could sue these companies, maybe we should start discussing passing certain " health " laws. Obesity is an epidemic in this country and it is going to create a strain on our health system. Perhaps, like cigarette packages, there needs to be federal labeling warning people of the risks. Not that it's going to stop someone right away, but as the truth comes out, perhaps more & more people will stop?????? Of course it doesn't help that everytime a new strip mall is built, a fast food joint is planted right there. Now they even " double up. " Has anyone see the Taco Bell/KFC/Pizza Hut places? Yuck! And yes, this does show who pockets the Beef Council is in. Denise , The Stewarts <stews9@c...> wrote: > Wonder how many of these fat rich politicians own Big Beef stock? > > House bans fast-food lawsuits > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2004 Report Share Posted March 11, 2004 Denise, I totally agree. Everyone can choose what they eat and do not eat, and I cannot imagine how anyone could NOT know that fast food is not good for you. However, I also know that many peopel are not learnign about good nutrition at home. Eating habits and good nutrition start at childhood. If you don't learn them young, it's possible that you'll never be able to retrain yourself. So, I am all in favor of information labels. Just a little place on the label that says: " This food is high in procesed sugar, which contributes to tooth decay, obesity, and diabetes. " Or " This food is high in fat, which in turn is high in calories and can contribute to obesity. " I am really glad to say that I have reached a point where the very thought of fast food grosses me out - priscilla Denise <pamperedveggie wrote: Instead of discussing whether people could sue these companies, maybe we should start discussing passing certain " health " laws. Obesity is an epidemic in this country and it is going to create a strain on our health system. Perhaps, like cigarette packages, there needs to be federal labeling warning people of the risks. Not that it's going to stop someone right away, but as the truth comes out, perhaps more & more people will stop?????? Search - Find what you’re looking for faster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 12, 2004 Report Share Posted March 12, 2004 Those labels would be great. Good idea. Of course the fast food industry would fight it tooth and nail. They don't want people to " fear " their food; and I use the word food loosely there! *lol* ~ feral ~ Look, a mirage, like a round rim, a strange Wizard's masterpiece about us: An old line that's not there, A boundary that never ends. ~ David Emrys James, 'Horizon' ~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~~~~~> , reptile grrl <reptilegoddess> wrote: > So, I am all in favor of information labels. Just a little place on the label that says: " This food is high in procesed sugar, which contributes to tooth decay, obesity, and diabetes. " Or " This food is high in fat, which in turn is high in calories and can contribute to obesity. " > - priscilla Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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