No more 'Fast Food' in South LA - your thoughts? Will it work?

Ronald, two thing come to mind here

1. We can not legislate choice. Very slippery slope.

2. We can put pressure on establishments to change through market economics

When the public begins to actually care about their diets and force fast restaurants to change their menus (healthier options, smaller portions) by not paying for the crap they dole out, then that is when things will change.

As for me, I have not had a fast food meal in over 3 years. Way too much controversy about it is brought to the table. (wage discrimination, supplier employee atrocities, public abuse  or weakness)

It has made all the difference in my personal health and btw, I think they should be forced to change. Market forces are the best way though.

Thanks

Bo

 Ron,

 I am not sure if this will work? I really like the idea and yes sometimes I like fast food. As for the health restaurants, I think they are way over priced.

 LA would need healthier restaurants with reasonable prices to bring in customer's on a lower budget.

 I need to shed a few pounds also, but at my age it's becoming harder and harder.

Robert

I hate to be a naysayer, but I'm thinking it won't help that much, unless they can find people willing to open cheap AND healthy new restaurants. Have you ever found ANYTHING on a healthy restaurant's menu that could compete price-wise with any of these fast-food chains' dollar menus?

On the other hand, I'm glad that something is being done to try out healthier mindsets, at least it shows a willingness to take pretty drastic action in the face of our nation's health crisis.

Seemed kind of ridiculous to me. Shouldn't the market determine what stores and restaurants succeed and fail?

For the record I haven't touched that poison since I watched "Super Size Me", but that's just me.

I been to South Central Los Angeles many times my husband use to patrol the streets there as a LAPD gang officer. I noticed there is a real missing element, large chain grocery stores. Mom and pop corner markets, liquor stores, and fast food places are predominant. The city at one time loved the fact that these restaurants opened up in this area after the riots in 1992!! They get to spend the revenue they generate, but now that they perceive a problem with it because people are obese the finger has to be pointed. They should point the finger at themselves for allowing all these restaurants to pop up in the beginning. Just my opinion....

I have to say the last time I checked the obesity problem is a nationwide problem. People from all walks of life, rich and poor are obese. And Yes there is major violence in South Central LA, as well as many other urban areas in America. All the major fast food restaurants are in South Central such as Mc Donald's, Burger King, etc... City Council should push to get more "Chain" grocery stores that will provide fresh fruits, vegetables, and all other healthy choices, this will also provide good jobs to a community that needs it. This community lacks programs for the youth such as little league baseball, AYSO, etc... keep the kids busy, give them role models. City Council needs to invest in the youth so they don't turn to gangs and violence.  Criminals who have a grip on this area are punishing the many good citizens from having the Healthy Choices and a safe way of living, is that how it should be??

You can't force people to eat this or that.  People need to be educated to make better decisions about themselves and their lives.  Why aren't the focusing on education instead of stupid laws.  How many school budgets are cut, while funding for the "war" goes on? 

Laws like this upset me as they are taking their opinions and taking away someone else's freedoms away. This is a free country and capitalism helps keep this country running, if I were these businesses, I would pack up my tax dollars and tell this county where they can go. I would build in the city next door and when they start to lose tax revenue and the city starts to go bankrupt, then they can explain to the voters why this is happening.