In response to article 'All McDonald's Sells is Burgers, Fries and Milkshakes. What Do Its Opponents Sell?'
Daniel Finkelstein (The Times, 31.12.02) picks up on the phenomenon of anti-McDonald's sentiment, asserts that the company 'has no power over us at all', and that opposition just boils down to 'pernicious anti-Americanism'.
In our opening speeches in the historic 'McLibel' trial, we set out the case of campaigners against the Corporation for a full day, and I added in passing: 'I can say on behalf of both defendants there is no anti-American feeling of any kind whatsoever. The problem is multi-nationals and corporations.'
The trial became the longest in english history, a 313-day wide-ranging tribunal on the Corporation's business practices, focussing entirely on the company's effect on society, working conditions, children, the environment, animal welfare etc.
The High Court, not known for its 'pernicious anti-americanism', ruled that McDonald's marketing has "pretended to a positive nutritional benefit which their food did not match"; that they "exploit children"; are "culpably responsible for animal cruelty" and "pay low wages". The Appeal court added that it was fair comment that their employees worldwide "do badly in terms of pay and conditions", and true that "if one eats enough McDonald's food" this may well lead to "the very real risk of heart disease."
These damning rulings vindicate many of the arguments of the critics of McDonald's, and indeed the modern food industry generally. No-one should be surprised that there is growing opposition, including in the USA, to a powerful company which spends over £2 billion annually world-wide forcing its one-sided advertising on the public, including targetting vulnerable children.
There is a also great deal of community-based opposition to fast food outlets taking over local pubs and other residential sites. Mr Finkelstein should know this well - the residents of Harrow West where he recently stood for Parliament have been up in arms since 1999 against proposals for a McDonald's there. He was not elected.
Dave Morris
McLibel Defendant
Tottenham, London
For more information on this campaign see McSpotlight Website.
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