Essay 1420

Way back in Essay Thirty-Four, MultiCultClassics noted the ad depicted above from the Center for Consumer Freedom. Like the McRib® sandwich, the CCF made a sloppy and gross return with the message depicted below, which recently appeared in New York newspapers.


As it turns out, the Center for Consumer Freedom is not really concerned with consumer freedom; rather, it’s a defender of corporate freedom.

The Center for Media and Democracy — investigating and exposing public relations spin and propaganda — identified the organization as a front group for the restaurant, alcohol and tobacco industries. The mastermind behind the operation is a slick lobbyist named Rick Berman. Contributors include the Coca-Cola Company, Philip Morris, Wendy’s and White Castle. It’s a safe bet that even corporations failing to show official support still heartily applaud the CCF’s schemes.

The Center for Consumer Freedom symbolizes the Dark Side of the advertising industry, with Berman playing the role of Anakin Lie-Walker. This hype machine — like so many political advertising enterprises — creates in a galaxy far, far away from honesty and integrity.

Consider this latest attempt to paint New York City Mayor Richard Bloomberg’s trans-fat ban as an attack on citizens’ rights. The CCF would have people believe the measure means government is trying to restrict what we choose to eat. Don’t bite, folks.

The proposed mandate is mostly seeking to prevent eateries from deliberately harming consumers. On some levels, it’s no different than requiring fast food employees to wash their hands and wear a hairnet when preparing food, or prohibiting smoking in public buildings.

So why would fast feeders oppose dumping trans-fat oils? Well, because change costs money. Mickey D’s announced it will need until July 2008 to comply with the request, despite having already been under court order to revamp things for years. The arrogant stubbornness is analogous to an automaker refusing to install seat belts, or a toymaker selling toxic products with choking hazards.

Everyone involved with the Center for Consumer Freedom should be forced to eat exclusively at the allied restaurants. Now that would be a crime sure to inspire spirited public service campaigns.

[Click on the essay title above to review Essay Thirty-Four.]