Published: March 12, 2004 in
The New York TimesCall it legis-lite: the Republican leaders of Congress have been running one of the least demanding workloads in decades, politicking most of the year while scheduling only 94 days in session, 40 fewer than four years ago. Yet the House still invested a day's debate in passing what is known as the cheeseburger bill — a supersize sop to the fast-food industry. It's a gift that Republicans love doling out to their friends in big business, namely, immunity from being sued.
At issue are lawsuits blaming fast-food chains and their marketing practices for obesity. Only a few such cases have been brought across the nation, and none have succeeded. Yet a Congressional majority rose up against this phantom judicial crisis. It's almost enough to make us miss those spellbinding debates about naming airports after politicians and establishing freedom fries as the preferred fare in Capitol dining rooms. Exempting much of American industry from being subject to the legal system is far more damaging.
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