Prince Charles has declared WAR!

...on a clown in a yellow and red stripes...and red shoes.

Public Enemy #1? Ronald McDonald.

Prince Charles has had ENOUGH. When touring a London Diabetes Center, the Royal Prince noted that "banning McDonald's is the key.." in fighting diabetes as well as controlling diets.

First of all, I'm surprised that in a position that he is that such a pointed statement can be made. Normally, the Royal family is so reserved in their commentary that it's hard to know if there's even a pulse in some of them; they are the "voice" of many people, so it's understandable that causing controversy is the least of their wants (Although obviously Charles doesn't mind that considering his "friendship" Camilla Parker-Bowles for so many years).

Now, as you may well know, I am saying many of these things tongue-in-cheek. However, I think that there are several things we can pull from this; one, it again brings to the forefront the needs that we have to really continue to look at it when it comes to our ever-ballooning society and our ever-declining health issues. Our kids are too big to compete in sports, their self esteem is dropping, while the ads for bigger and better burgers are clouding the airwaves as they sit at home and chomp down another bag of chips.

But-do we really blame Ronald McDonald? I understand the sentiments that were displayed from Morgan Spurlock in "Super Size Me" in terms of not only exposing the true health risks in such an extreme way, but to place the blame of our diets on a single fast food entity is a little discomforting. McDonald's has certainly its share of negative press, and unfortunately, as long as fast food is around, they will never, ever get a fair shake, as no other fast food companies will-and rightfully so. The nature of these foods is just that-fast food made with processed elements to be consumed quickly and to not give the nutrition we all need to keep us healthy.

I am dissapointed in the statement,however, because it does not rule out the element that we as individuals have as a responsibility to make good choices for ourselves and for our children. Sure, we are constantly bombarded by advertisements and by seemingly endless peer pressure to "take the easy route", but although the McDonald's of the world exist, it's up to US to make the conscious decision to make wholesale changes in our lives.

Now, I have been struggling with weight for a long time. I have continued to try and make good decisions and am adamant about teaching my children about the reality of the "food world" to keep them informed as they grow up.

But as long as influential people as Prince Charles are making comments like this, we'll never see the forest for the trees. Take responsibility, America!

Labels: editorial, fast food, food, McDonald's, news, nutrition, Prince Charles, Prince-Charles