Press Release

Good morning. My name is Alfred David Klinger. I am a retired physician who practiced adult, internal, sports, occupational injury and preventive medicine for 45 years in the Hyde Park and Chicago areas.

My concern today is Ronald McDonald. This clown-like figure which is playful, joyful, and cheerful is in fact a pied piper drawing youngsters all over the world to foods that are high in fat, sodium, calories and low in nutrition. At the same he gives them the secure feeling he is harmless. On the surface, Ronald is there to give children enjoyment in all sorts of ways with toys, games and food. But, in fact, Ronald McDonald is dangerous—sending insidious messages to young people that it is OK to eat fat, grease, and fried foods. And how could anyone doubt such a sweet clown giving out gifts so generously?

This marketing is exploitative – especially with children under eight who are unable to understand the manipulations of marketing.

With aggressive marketing, McDonald’s and the fast food industry are foisting pathology and disease on many in the form of: obesity, diabetes, heart attacks, high blood pressure, strokes, paralysis and major kidney problems. These medical problems would not exist if children are taught proper nutrition and how to practice it continuously.

These foods clog arteries, veins, and fill soft tissue spaces blocking the function of vital organs in the body. This leads to serious diseases and also puts an enormous strain on our medical system as well as damning the young and the older to a curtailed existence. The cost to this country in illness, poor performance not to mention health care is mind boggling. I, along with health professionals from across the U.S., want this stopped. Tens of thousands of Corporate Accountability International members want this stopped.

Mr. Skinner, I want McDonald’s to move beyond the ineffective voluntary marketing initiatives you’ve signed. We want you to retire Ronald and we want you to do it quickly!