Reader Responses

A moratorium on building new fast food restaurants in Los Angeles is just another example of a government’s desire to control every aspect of our lives. Yes, eating fast food may lead to obesity, which is why my family does it only occasionally.

However, when we do partake, we do so with moderation. The L.A. City Council doesn’t seem to think its own citizens are capable of regulating their dietary intake of unhealthy foods, but since when has that become the business of the government?

When are governments at all levels going to realize that we need businesses for their tax contributions and for their ability to put people to work? Instead, we allow governments to put ridiculous restrictions on businesses, both large and small, often causing them to fail. This moratorium on fast food restaurants is just another example of putting tight controls on businesses, and this time most likely, locally-owned franchises that could be huge contributors to the economy of the city. The moratorium not only cuts off tax revenue, but it takes away potential jobs. Unemployed people in return don’t spend as much, leading to loss of other revenue.

Let’s tell Big Brother to trust us to make our own food choices, thank you. People who are obese do not get that way solely by eating the high-fat, unhealthy menu at fast food restaurants. And the rest of us are smart enough to not “super-size” it every time we decide to pull in for a quick meal. If enough people chose the healthier options on the menu and selected normal sized portions, don’t you think those restaurants would get the message and offer more of those kinds of choices? That’s the beauty of capitalism! And what would be wrong with that?

Now, we need to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen in Tyler, where we need and appreciate the benefits of these small businesses in our communities.

Mrs. Adethia Rudd
Tyler