I have two new role models. In a time where stupidity and crudity seem to be celebrated, I am thrilled to learn about these two inspirational people.My first hero is Patricia Heaton, costar of Everybody Loves Raymond, who, disgusted by what she saw at ABC’s American Music Awards, refused to go onstage and participate with the show’s hosts, the Osbournes. “I’m no prude, but this was such a vulgar and disgusting show,” says Heaton, quoted in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “What was passing for humor basically ranged from stupid to vulgar, and I just thought, ‘I’m not going to be part of this.’ So I walked out.” I wish a lot more people would follow her example and walk away from the Osbournes — especially, hopefully, the crew that tapes their show.
My other hero is U.S. District Judge Robert Sweet. Today he dismissed the suit which alleges fat people are too stupid to know eating fast food is fattening. This suit claims that McDonald’s does not inform customers how unhealthy their food is, apparently ignoring the signs which say such information is available on request and is also sometimes printed on their paper placemats. Their stupidity is a black eye to right-thinking fat people everywhere — who have enough physical problems to be self-conscious about already, thank you very much. Judge Sweet rightly points out that “nobody is forced to eat at McDonald’s.” And McDonald’s spokesman Walt Riker rightly adds “Common sense has prevailed.”
Bless both these great American heroes.
I agree with your comments about the McDonald\’s lawsuit. As an attorney and judge, I was very annoyed, to put it mildly, by the whole thing. Besides being wholly devoid of merit, such nonsense ties up an already overloaded judicial system. Such frivolous suits, in my opinion, are merely the result of greedy lawyers and plaintiffs, trying to make money and/or get publicity. Give me a break!