Just One Less Way to Make Money in the US Justice System

I noticed yesterday that the US House of Representatives passed the "cheeseburger bill" that prevents people from filing "your food made me fat" lawsuits against food companies. Reuters.

I'm not sure where I stand on this issue. It is no secret that fast food, and other foods high in sugar and saturated fats, will cause you to gain weight if you do not exercise. Not to mention that fact that these foods are bad for your general health. But should you be allowed to sue Mcdonalds because the food you chose to eat presents the risk of gaining weight?

I've never been a fan of fast food and I'll be the first to reject an offer to "go to Mickey D's." But at the same time, any marginally intelligent human being knows what happens when too many Whoppers are consumed. Simply put, if you choose to eat food that could make you obese, then you shouldn't be allowed to sue.

However, what I don't like is how these food companies are taking advantage of the endless demand for comfort food and convenience food. It's essentially a weakness in all of us to consume food that tastes so good, but is just so bad for us. Companies know people can't stop eating, yet the only "socially responsible" step they take is to offer "healthy choices," like salads with the same fat content as a quarter-pounder with cheese, or "low fat" alternatives with the same number of empty calories.

It is up to the person to make healthy choices - it's just that these food companies certainly aren't helping the matter by continually tempting us with Double Creme-filled Oreos and Big Macs. If you get fat as a result of eating too many of these foods, you should not have the right to bring litigation. It may just be time to re-evaluate your eating habits and think about switching lifestyles.

On a lighter note, I see the Flames beat the Oilers for the second time already this year. Man, if only Calgary could just play Edmonton in every game this season....