Ronald McDonald Will Fight The Good Fight Until Long After We're All Dead From Heart Disease

“He is a force for good. He communicates effectively with children and families around balanced, active lifestyles. He does not hawk food.”
—McDonald’s CEO Jim Skinner, when asked if the fast-food chain’s made-up mascot Ronald McDonald would be forced to hang up his really big shoes anytime soon. An advocacy group has levied criticisms that the friendly redhead “is a pied piper drawing youngsters all over the world to food that is high in fat, sodium and calories” — the burger equivalent of the Marlboro Man and Joe Camel — and that he, to borrow a phrase, deserves a break. Forever!