The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[innerSpaceman]

Yes, even that. I'm totally for transparent food content and origin information. Everywhere food is sold. Nutrition, ingredients, sources, etc. What's wrong with letting consumers know what they are putting inside their bodies? And why let such VITAL health information be optional, when consumers can hardly count on businesses to look after the welfare of their customers?

[Alex]

The big problem with menu regulation is that the testing necessary for detailed nutritional information is expensive. It also precludes frequent menu changes as that would require relabelling, and requires absolute consistency in portion sizes or the restaurant opens itself up to lawsuits.

But why is it a relationship that requires government intervention? When I buy a package of Oreos it is very difficult to inquire as to what may be in the food I just purchased. But at a restaurant this is very easy.

If I don't want to eat foot with a lot of fat, just ask what is in the food and if they can't answer to your satisfaction, don't eat there. Frankly, if you need government mandated labelling to know that the 2-pound plate of fettucine alfredo at Olive Garden has a stupid amount of fat, calories, and sodium then it would be easier for the government ot just put you in an asylum for your own protection.

"Would you like some grated parmesan on your pasta? First I must inform you that it contains these 8 indredients, has 4 grams of fat per 1.5 cranks of the grater, 35 mg of sodium, 70 calories (35 of which are from fat), and I'm sorry but your food is now too cold to melt the parmesan so you probably should just pass on it. Would you care instead for some pepper which has 0 calories per twist of the pepper mill (0 calories is defined as less than 1 calorie per 5 grams), 0mg sodium (0mg calories is defined as less than 1mg per 50 grams), and 0mg fat (0mg fat is defined as less than 1mg per 50 grams). No? Then enjoy your meal, salt is on the table (contains a mix of sodium and potassium chloride; 0mg of sodium (0mg is defined as less than 1 gram per serving); serving size is one shake, approximately 0.75 grams."

[Gemini Cricket]

No playing tag in MA schools.
Lame.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Yeah, saw that one yesterday. I didn't even know where to begin commenting on the idocy, so I didn't post it.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Officials at McCarthy Elementary School in Framingham in the northeastern state, told local media that children have been ordered to invent a new no-contact version of the game for safety reasons.

Ordered to do the impossible. That should work out well.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by Motorboat Cruiser

Ordered to do the impossible. That should work out well.

Sweet, laser tag!

[Moonliner]

Originally Posted by Motorboat Cruiser

Ordered to do the impossible. That should work out well.

How about this:

One child is selected to be "it". This player will be known as the principal. He or she will stuff their ears with cotton, blindfold themselves, and repeat over and over, "But you're safe now" in as loud a voice as possible.

All the other children will run in circles around "the principal" and shout out helpful suggestions such as "Exercise is good for you", and "we want to develop coordination".

If the "principal" actually hears any of these comments, then he or she loses the game and a new "principal" is selected.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Yeah, it's all fun and games until someone loses a retina.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Perfect!

[Gemini Cricket]

I heard they especially wanted to ban freeze tag for fear of kids getting hypothermia.