The situation, as I see it, calls for some balance.

The corporate cheerleaders need to realize that there is
room for improvement.

The EcoTerrorist types need to realize that "in the beginning" McDonalds and other corporations were only trying to improve life for John Q. American.

It is only in the recent past that the long term effects are coming to light.

There must be a way for both sides of the issue to meet at the 'round table and have meaningful discussion that will bring each issue into focus and hopefully lead to a better method.
This, of course, would require some honesty from corporate end of things.

A lot of these issues are not black and white and require "some" give and take towards an eventual resolution that will protect the future for the next star trek generation.

I happen to work in the Food Service Equipment industry and I see first hand the R&D that is put into improving the industry on many levels. Health and Safety are on the table for constant improvement.

Fast Food is only one small part a larger issue.
It is a vicious cycle going on that falls into each
and every lap out there.

We, as humans, need more time and money to enjoy the quality of life that is passing us by.
We could also use a safer environment to do this in.

Corporate crime does need to come to a halt.
( Yes, I watch Michael Moore too )
Profit at any cost needs to stop.
I feel like each and everyone of us has a part in creating that picture.
How many of us skip over the independant dealer of "whatever" because he cannot compete with the "corporate owned" big guy down the street?
How many small companys have drowned by corporate neighbors who moved to town?

We, myself included, drive these corporations to cut corners, cut jobs, make it cheaper, get it out by Friday.

What can you do?
Pay more.
It will take a long time to see the effect but it would work.
Buy something from your neighbor who owns the last surviving hardware store down the street.
Get your music from that little guy down the road who can't compete with CDnow and Blockbuster.

I saw on the news, on the 4th of July, that America imports over a million American flags for the holiday.
Did I hear that right? We are importing the American flag?

I'm rambling now so......

(Did I say anything that makes any sense? )

Ciao for now,

Block