Half-fried logic

The state of California may have reached an unprecedented level of paternalism. Reuters is reporting that Bill Lockyer, the state’s attorney general, is suing to force manufacturers (and, apparently, retailers) of fried potato products to warn consumers about potential cancerous harms of the popular snack foods.

Now I am fairly certain that at least a few generations of Americans have enjoyed McDonalds’ French fries without a sizeable portion of the population be demonstrably harmed. Ditto potato chips. So while new-found science may be telling us that there are potential long-term risks, I must wonder how these are different than the short-term risks of crossing the road.

It was bad enough when McDonalds had to start warning people that their coffee is hot thanks to one of the most ludicrous torts of the modern era. And you even have to wonder about the Surgeon General feeling compelled to put warnings on every tobacco product in America.

But while it may make some sense to deter tobacco use, the line must be drawn somewhere. A slippery slope is surely in play here, and one must ask just how far down that slope potato chips can be found. Are hamburgers next? Obesity is surely a major problem in America. What about popcorn? It’s easy to choke. And how about Coca-Cola? Caffeine has addictive properties and is an artificial stimulant.

The problem with too many politicians is their stubborn insistence on the fundamental assumption that Americans are mostly idiots. Instead of trusting the education system, relying on people’s common sense and perhaps even using billboards and media advertisements, there is a rush to slap warnings on products that are mostly innocuous. “Supersize Me” probably had more of a consumer affect than any warning label.

Besides, scientific studies seem to miss one important point: McDonalds’ French fries taste really good.