BEFORE THANKSGIVING – AT 8:18 P.M. ET:  As we prepare for turkey, let us contemplate the way in which dedicated public servants protect us from the evils of poor eating.  From the San Francisco Chronicle:

As expected, the Board of Supervisors bucked Mayor Gavin Newsom Tuesday, and overrode his veto of legislation to bar fast-food restaurants from giving away toys in kids' meals sold in San Francisco unless they have reduced calories, salt, fat and sugar and also include fruit and vegetables.

The restrictions, vigorously opposed by McDonald's, the California Restaurant Association and other representatives of the fast-food industry, are set to take effect in December 2011.

The new law, modeled after a Santa Clara County ordinance adopted earlier this year, aims to combat childhood obesity and hold "the fast-food industry accountable to creating healthier choices for our kids," said Supervisor Eric Mar.

Of course, the kids and their parents are entirely free of blame.  They're just victims of greedy capitalists and warmongering makers of hamburger sauce. 

The board voted 8-3 to override Newsom's veto, the bare minimum needed. Joining Mar were Supervisors John Avalos, David Campos, David Chiu, Chris Daly, Bevan Dufty, Sophie Maxwell and Ross Mirkarimi. Opposed were Supervisors Michela Alioto-Pier, Carmen Chu and Sean Elsbernd.

It was one of the few times during Newsom's seven years as mayor that his veto wasn't upheld.

In his veto message on the toy ban, Newsom said that although it is well intentioned, it goes too far. Parents, not the government, he said, should make the call on what their children eat.

COMMENT:  Newsom might have to explain to the Board of Supervisors what a parent is.  Good definitions are available.

I'm having whatever I want tomorrow.  I want to be banned in San Francisco.

November 24, 2010