Assignment: Editorial Essay

One provision of the Obama administration's recent health-care overhaul was a mandate for chain restaurants (those with with 20 or more outlets) to post the calorie counts of their food on their menus. The rationale for this was that increased consumer awareness would lead to smarter food choices. Critics, however, counter that the provision illustrates an overreach of the government's authority and an undermining of consumer choice. What do you think? In your view, what has been the effect of this part of the law? Has it affected what you choose to eat at restaurants? Is this an example of the government ensuring that an important service is provided or has it stepped in to do what you are capable of doing for yourself? In a concise editorial, share your views on this issue. Cite evidence from the articles below to support your thesis:

• “California Calorie Law Alters Chains' Fare” (Sacramento Bee)
• “Want a Warning Label with Those Fries?” (Boston Globe)
• “Health Law Makes Calorie Counts Hard to Hide” (MSNBC)
• Cheesecake Factory Nutritional Guide (NutritionAnalysis.com)
• “Leave Calorie Counts Off the Menu” (Los Angeles Times)
• Drink Nutrition Information from Starbucks
• “How Many Calories Do You Think Are in this Muffin?” (EatingWell)
• Editorial: New Law Will Help Those Who Want It (Chico Enterprise Record)

Requirements:

• MLA format, including parenthetical citation
• 3-page minimum
• Cite at least four articles

The best papers:

• Stay within the parameters of the subject matter
• Have a concise thesis which clearly outlines a position
• Are written in a voice that is casual, yet informed
• Clearly support the thesis with solid evidence and a logical structure, citing from the calorie count articles
• Cite a minimum of four articles
• Conclude with a summation of the argument
• Properly cite evidence using MLA's parenthetical citation method
• Are in compliance with MLA Style

Sample editorials:

• "Yet Another Political Game" (New York Times)
• "The Best Remedy for the Price of Gas" (Los Angeles Times)
• "Trial by Media" (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
• "Sleeping Flight Controllers are One Harsh Wake-Up Call" (The Oregonian) 
• "Leading Society by Example" (Boston Globe)

Due: Wed 7.20 (Bring three copies)