- McLibel -

is great

Posted by: Cathy ( UK ) on June 27, 1997 at 12:23:45:

In Reply to: The leaflet posted by Matt on June 26, 1997 at 19:37:13:

Funny that the two main points you picked out, about animals and unhealthy food were actually agreed by the Judge in the McLibel trial who ruled that McDonald's "advertisements, promotions and booklets have pretended to a positive nutritional benefit which McDonald's food ..... did not match" and that McDonald's were, "culpably responsible for cruel practices in rearing and slaughter of some of the animals which are used to produce their food". I would say it's vital that this is brought to the attention of the public, particularly on the food side, to counter McDonald's propaganda, which has been found to be false.

: While the clainm that McDonalds "Robs the poor" is a just an uncertified ascertion.

It is fully justified. First in 'third world' countries where land is stolen from the original inhabitants to be used for the benefit of multinationals, and people have to grow cash crops rather than food for themselves. Cash crops which multinationals pay them peanuts for and then sell on in western countries for massive profits. McDonald's makes great use of cash crops. But also robbing the poor in Western countries. The only way you can make a profit is to charge more for something than it cost you in time and money. If you're charging more than it's worth, then you're ripping someone off. When you're ripping someone off who's poor, then that pretty much equates with robbery as it means they're going to suffer, they can't afford your greed. Since McDonald's made over $1 billion profits last year they must be robbing people on a grand scale.

: Perhaps if you were to conduct your campaign in a more controlled, structured manner you might find you're more successful than simply being labelled as "ACTIVISTS"

I don't think the term activists is an insult, but also I think the campaign is very successful and very popular with the public. I was leafletting on the Victory Day of Action, and people were grabbing leaflets out of my hand, they were extremely keen to hear more, and keen to hear the other side to that we are continually fed by those who hold the power in our society. Any change takes time, but change is happening, there is an increasing awareness that the world can't continue the way it is, and people are looking for the alternatives and getting involved with fighting for them.



Follow Ups:

The Debating Room Post a Followup