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Patriot Update

The Mother of All Frivolous Lawsuits

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Monet Parham, an employee of the California Department of Public Health, has lent her name—and that of her daughter Maya, age 6—to a preposterous class-action lawsuit alleging that McDonald’s is “unfair” to parents. The lure of a Happy Meal toy, Parham claims, so provokes Maya’s “pester power” that familial conflict ensues.

We’re not making this up.

The real tragedy here is that Parham is free to file a wholly frivolous lawsuit, while there’s no recourse for McDonald’s to recoup its legal costs. Nor can Maya hold her mother responsible for thrusting her into the national spotlight as a “pest” when, in reality, there’s nothing the least bit untoward about the little girl’s attraction to toys.

Perpetrating this scam is the (so-called) Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), whose bread and butter is filing baseless lawsuits against major food manufacturers and restaurants, including Denny’s, Burger King, Coca Cola, and Kentucky Fried Chicken. All of which generates loads of front-page headlines and major bucks from liberal foundations. But were it not for the capitulation of some gutless corporations, the CSPI would likely have been rendered powerless a long time ago.

To their credit, McDonald’s executives have pledged to “vigorously defend” the Happy Meal against the CSPI suit, the particulars of which ought to make every responsible parent wince.

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Gordon

Although I have conducted no research on CSPI and currently have no evidence as to the money trail of it’s purse strings, I would not be the least bit surprised if it could be traced back to George Soros just like MoveOn.horg, Acorn, Tides Foundation, Media Smatters, Puffington Host, SDS, etc. However, now that we see what this organization is all about, it would be good for me and others to start that research.
- Don
  
  I agree that it very well may be traced back to Soros as he wants to destroy conservatists, and America.
- Bea
  
  Easy to trace: Michell Obama !
  - revgay
    
    Michelle Obama—righton! She’s right in the middle of the war on fast foods
- Kathy
  
  Well Gorgon, I did a quick check, and you got it, The Tides Foundation is there as is the Rockefeller Foundation. http://activistcash.com/organization_financials.cfm/o/13-center-for-science-in-the-public-interest this tells where they get there money as well as some interesting information about them.
  - Kathy
    
    lol sorry that should have been their, I checked it twice and didn’t catch that.
Joseph

I think the real issue here is her parenting skills. All children whine , pester and manipulate. That is what children do. Most of us are responsible parents, and deal with it. Some people have to try and blame a big corporation like McDonalds for their lack of parenting skills.
- Bob
  
  Exactly Joseph. The parent is one that is supposed to be in charge. My question to the mother filing the lawsuit is; How many Happy Meals did her parents buy her when she was a child? If the answer is “0″, my guess would be that her parents were in charge and not the child!!!
- Barbara
  
  Just say NO! It is that simple. An easy two letter word NO! Apparently this parent does not stick to her guns and the kid whines. Mom = get some back bone.
- jjdebird
  
  Just like voters.
  We elect the “parent’s of spoiled children” to give us everything we want. They are use to buying our love & they can not say no. These fools will agree with the parent who can not tell their kid no.
  Will they need sharp things taken out of stores? Will we all need an ID to buy fast food?
Gorba

It would be great if McDonald’s and all the other restaurant chains filed a restraining order to bar people like this from coming within 1,000 feet of their restaurants.
- nmgene
  
  Years ago when we had real Judges they would throw a suit like this out of court. But now they have to keep crap like this moving to keep there and the attorneys making money. Get rid of the damned liberal Judges and this crap will stop.
http://moseyabx@hotmail.com Maureen

Ridiculous! That “mother” is unfit to raise this child. Let us know if McDonald’s sets up a legal fund to defend this trash!
Mike L

I say bring it on but if she loses she should have to pay all court cost…All of these stupid people and their stupid ideas of blaming some one else for their shortcomings
- http://moseyabx@hotmail.com Maureen
  
  They’re part of the Entitlement Generation and noting pisses me off more! Next, she’ll be suing BK for eating the whopper and the weight she’s gained …..cause she can’t cook because that would require a modicum of an education.
  - Whopper Man
    
    Do you know where her Whopper is?? Right here in my BK trousers!!
- rimshot75
  
  Mike, the problem is these attornies have this ‘sue’ crap all worked out in their favor. Did you know there is not a ‘win/lose’ side in a lawsuit? That a percentage of fault can be found (and usually is). As an example: I sue you for falling on your door step. You defend it but the judge issues a decision and says I was 50% at fault for being out on an icy day…so you still have to pay me! IT’s beyond absurd. We need a total tort reform in this country. I suggest we begin by deporting 85% of the existing attornies. Send them to Mexico, Iran and Afghanistan. That would be the most effective weapon to tie up our enemies for the next century!
  - Phillip in TX
    
    Q. What do you call 1,000 lawyers at the bottom of the ocean?
    
    A. A good start!
  - jjdebird
    
    This crap, union wages, & regulations are why business heads over seas.
rbasford

Just another scumbag freeloader wanting some easy money. I would be willing to bet anything that she voted for Obama!!
Linda

Oh come on!!! What an idiot, and we wonder why the children now a days are so stupid. They are being raised by morons. She just wants a big bunch of money so she can sit on her assets. This should not have made it as far as it did. When are the grown ups in this country that have these big old degrees going to put a stop to this kind of ridiculous behaviour. I agree let it go to court when she looses she pays all fees including McDonalds. Maybe if these parents fed their kids at home instead of filling them full of mcdonalds this wouldn’t be a problem!!! By the way WHO IS IN CHARGE IN THIS HOME, NEVER MIND IT’S THE 6 YEAR OLD.
- Ron
  
  As long as we elect lawyers to make ourt laws, our laws willbe more favorable to lawyersthan to anyone else. Do not expect to see any form of tort reform anytime in the near future. Remember, McDonalds will have to raise the price of the “Happy Meal” to pay for this silly lawsuit. If this mother had applied a little of the solutionto the seat of the problem, this young lady would learn how to behave out in public.
  - johnny3h
    
    To Ron at 12.21.10, I fully agree with you, and I think William Shakespear had it right when he wrote, “First, let’s kill all the lawyers,” or something to that effect.
Gerald Sills

The “key” word here is, California, the land of fruit and nuts. The Health Department, like most agencies in that state, hire mostly idiots to fill the positions. As for CSPI, they are a typical Communist organization who utilize idiot women and minorities to advance their cause of destroying the United States. This is the mainline program of the Democrats since they were taken over by the Communists after the death of MLK Jr., and got rid of sensible Democrats. The problem will be the Jurors, who for the most part, do not understand nullification, or have the common sense God gave the Apes.
- Butch 179
  
  I call California the cereal state. fruits, nuts and flakes
- Mac
  
  I Live in California and have all my life, and yes this state has gone to poor me people. Give me money, medical, so I can sitt on my butt and have more kids. Yes we will. You owe me. that is the mentality of the people here, and the libral courts are even worse. Stanislaus county, every lawyer and judge is in bed with each other, who ever has the most money wins!
http://healthwealthtips.com Reuben

The thing that amazes me is why would a judge even consider accepting the lawsuit in the first place.
- Mac
  
  MONEY!!!!!
TW

Well, then I’m suing ABC because my wife and I fight over Dancing With the Stars vs. Monday Night Football. If we get divorced over this, I expect each of us to get the equivalent of the others share of properties from ABC. (Gee, maybe they’ll settle for a second 50″ HDTV to help keep the peace).
Gloria Jeanette Snapp

If you noticed she is employee of the California Department of Public Health. Something tells me that the White House residents have something to do with this action.
- Bea
  
  do tell Michell!
- rimshot75
  
  You know you are correct. Let’s expose this pile of manure for what it is…
Ron

I have always been on the wrong side. When I was a child, the adults were in charge. No questions asked. Now that I am a senior citizen, I see the children are in charge. What they see, wha
- Bea
  
  haha, good Ron!
kathleen

Wonder how many nights she laid awake trying to figure out how to make a bundle of money off of who ever? It is probably someone who leaches off the system.
James

Don’t allow her to enter McDonald’s.
Don

Ms pARHAM. yOU ARE NO BETTER THAN MADELAINE OHAIR WHO PUT RELIGION OUT OF THE SCHOOL. This is so simple – MORON- If you ldon’t want your child to have a happy meal. DON’T BUY IT. STAY THE HELL OUT OF IT AND MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS. GO SUCK AND EGG AND LEAVE MCDONALD’S ALONE. AGAIN MORON.
CJM

Sounds to me that the mother in this stupid lawsuit has a personal problem in that she does not know how to parent her child. Obviously, it is the 6-yr old, Maya, who calls the shots in that family–who constantly and consistently gives in to her tantrumming demands. Hopefully, a judge who understands what parenting is all about will dismiss the frivilous suit and chastise the mother for her short-comings as a parent. At least that would become a matter of record, further causing this lousy mother the embarrassment she deserves.
Bob

My wife and I used to deal with “pester power” by telling our daughters that if they ever whined about getting something, they would never get it. If they persisted, they got a spanking. We had virtually no problems with “pester power” in our family. The problem with parents today is that the majority of them aren’t fit to raise a pet rock, let alone a real child.
- Barbara
  
  When I would tell my daughters they could have one and they insisted on two; I would than tell them they could have zero. They happily accepted one.
- D Wright
  
  You are soo smart, that is pretty much how we dealt with whining, I must have junk demands!! We all lived and still love each other and we aren’t fat as hogs!! Still living to tell about it!!
GMANN8942@AOL.COM

My Mother handled my pertering with a NO! Of course in those days children did what thery were told by parernts as did my children. This women is just totally lacking in COMMON SENSE, LIKE POLITICIANS IN WASHINGTON. THE WHITE HOUSE SUFFERS FROM LACK OF COMMON SENSE TOO.
Noah

The child should be removed from her parenting as it is evident she can only harm the child and its best interest is to look to foster care with someone who knows how to raise children
http://patriotupdate.com Raymond

GENERAL PUBLIC NOTICE:
Please be advised I am sick to deathof receiving questions about my dog who mauled 3 Muslims sitting on a rug next to my back wall, 6 illegal’s wearing Obama t-shirts, 4 stupid Democrats wearing Pelosi T-shirts, 2 rappers, 5 phone operators who asked me to press #1 for English, 9 teenagers with their pants hanging down past their cracks, 8 Customer Service Desk people speaking in broken English, 10 flag burners, and a Pakistani taxi driver.
FOR THE LAST TIME…
THE DOG IS NOT FOR SALE ! ! !
- Aaron, TX
  
  Well if you breed him can i at least get a pup?
- revgay
  
  priceless!! I’d like to buy your dog!
http://chuckontherightside.blogspot.com/ Chuck Lehmann

The one word liberals hate most is the word “NO”. If a liberal parent can’t say “NO” to their child, they want the government to do it for them. Personal responsibilty is what is lacking in our selfish society today. If I (the liberal) can’t afford to get something than the person who can should subsidize me or we should pass a law preventing him from getting it. The word “fairness” is one of the liberals most abused words and the word behind the insidious “political correctness” nonsense that is dividing our country. I can’t wait to cut off the head of the snake in 2012.
Dadzrites

And, the scary thing about this case, is that some lawyer could win it and get big money for it, causing more & more frivolous suits like this to be filed on these types of issues.
Chet

I agree with every comment here. Especially Raymond. You got the RIGHT IDEA. I have another one to add to the list. DO NOT TREAD ON MY FLAG or DO NOT TREAD ON TURF unless you enter at your own RISK. This property is protected by SMITH & WESSON. ONE 357 full loaded and a 44 AUTO MAG fully loaded. And if you are not invited DO NOT ENTER. Maybe all the ILLEGALS will stay off my property because, I have it translated into 12 different languages. SO BEWARE. Oh and as for the automated systems a great idea for those a logic bomb. They will be a human being on the other end of the line. TAKE CARE AMERICA AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Bea

I’m going to go get a Happy Meal today!
AND I WANT THE TOY!
Whopper Man

CSPI must be part of Obama’s administration. I never heard of anything so stupid.There stand in this is nothing less than an attack on Mc Donalds and an invassion of family affairs.
Robert M

The judge should award her damages in the amount of $1 and she should be compelled to attend mandatory parenting skills and responsibility training. Also, isn’t using your own young child in the public spotlight for political or monetary purposes at least some mild form of child abuse, especially these days?

I mean seriously. By her logic if her daughter wanted a machine gun she’d have to provide it due to the awesome “pester power” she possesses.
Brig

I taught school for 41 years. I can safely say that it is mothers, like this one, who are distroying the american school system. They even run the NEA (National Education Association) which is the most communistic organization in America today. We need to get back to the Constitution and personal responsibility.
http://yahoo.com Tod

Our Government hasn’t the Legal power to Enforce anything We do.They work for US,and they Need to be Reminded Harshly the Next Election.
R.K. Nixon

Well if that works for her then I’d like to file a suit against the Government because they’re “unfair” to constituents and their bad decisions cause familial conflict. I’d also like to sue the gays and the liberals because they’re always “unfair” to folks with ethics and/or morals and in turn cause familial conflict. Let’s all just sue each other for anything and everything and make some new friends and precious memories.
- R.K. Nixon
  
  Just to clarify for you liberals… my comment is pure “SARCASM” I’ve never been a part of any frivolous lawsuit and never will. I was just making a point about the ignorance of it all.
Dora Rivas

Most of the comments are right on. It is appalling and ludicrous that this should even be in front of judge. More appalling that this woman has a child and what she is teaching the child…you want money…sue anybody for anything, instead of teaching her responsibility for her own actions and life. Sickening. I know a few people like her and unfortunately, the system encourages these travesties.
viva

Send your comments to the Editor of any and all newspapers in the area where this “mother?” lives! SHE needs to read them.
Robert Lebischak

My comment is simple, what judge in their right mind would allow a lawsuit like that to make it past the laugh court. Sounds to me like someone lost their reasoning abilities and should be put our of their misery.
- Andy
  
  Send her in front of Judge Judy so the world can see what an asshole she is.
  - Linda
    
    Good one Judge Judy would put her in her place immediately!!!!!!!!
DRUM

My gosh! Last year at this time as my son was Christmas shopping, my 3 yr. old grand son told him he wanted to go to McDonald’s. My son told him no, we are eating at home. My Grand son proceeded to tell him I don’t like you, I am mad at you. He was told– we are eating at home. The next day my son asked him are you still mad at me and was told, no daddy, I love you. Just say no!!!
Bill

All of the progressives. It is another form of redistibution (stealing) of the wealth. It also keeps the professional juries in twinkie money.
Doug Rodrigues

…..and lawyers wonder why citizens look upon them as greedy jerks.
mesaman

Monet, you would have been socially responsible if you had chosen tubal ligation at puberty. You have none of the skills necessary to raise a child, and I believe you are mentally challenged to survive on your own life skills as well.
Ron

Why doesn’t McDonalds consider a countersuit against all litigants, in this lawsuit, as being irresponsible in the proper rearing of their siblings. Perhaps a call to Social Services (Child Protective Services) of all complainants are in order as well…
TheyComeForYouNext

The whole purpose of advertising is to make you want the product. So, after she sues McDonalds, the next target is anyone who advertises a product that the spoiled little 6-yr old wants.

So, just to be safe, let’s just eliminate all advertisements. Then, with no sponsors, all of the sports shows will go off the air. So, no beer, no sports, and no Superbowl commercials.

What more evidence do you need – this person hates America. I hope McDonald’s counter-sues. Man, I wish I was on THAT jury !!
DHS needs to investigate that woman and take her 6-yr old to a family where there is a responsible adult.
Ron Hob

Good for McDonalds, it’s time some companys & people Stand Their Ground!! So many schools, city court houses,Etc. have given in to wacked out liberals. For absolutely stupid threatened lawsuits. Now lets put prayer back in schools!!!And The Pledge of Alegence!!
- Phillip in TX
  
  Have you ever seen Red Skelton recite the Pledge of Allegiance breaking it down piece by piece? It is awesome! It should also be required to be played in every classroom once a week. (I know it won’t happen because they will be too busy handing out condoms and teaching the kids how to dial “911″ if their parents spank them.)
  - Nancy
    
    I’ve seen Red Skelton’s “Pledge of Allegiance”, and it’s awesome!
Horse Since

True Justice; The court should order this woman to be evaluated for competecy to raise a child, to pay all court cost, evluation cost and legal fees acrued by this lawsuit.
- Phillip in TX
  
  Then the judge needs to throw the stupid lawsuit out!
http://Yahoo.com Thomas Martin

First of all McDonald’s has never forced any parent to visit them. Those parents who has a child that demands and get is where i draw the line. I was raised by loving parents and understood who was in charge, not I. we were taught respect for our elders and when it was alright to speak, not just butt. Oh, there was this thing called correction which allowed the parents to spank a child if it through a temper tamper or done some thing really bad.

I may have got a few hands on my butt but I had the utmost respect for my parents, and my teachers. I learned you cannot always get what you want, and that money did not grow on trees.

I raised my family the good old fashion way and God I’m proud to have two beautiful daughter’s who are married and have well behaved children too.

Thanks to the liberal government for taken control of the parents job. Now the child can bust your can if you spank their butts. I just love seeing a child kick and slap their parents and curse them and know the parents who are out in public just has to grin and bare it. No I was lying about that part, it makes me wish the parent would give that child what it needs, a good spanking in private with a lecture on the do’s and don’ts of this world.

what a shame their are so many sick liberal minded spoiled brats trying to rear our children.
http://Charter.net Ray

I threw 1/2 a temper tantrum 76 years ago on main street in Farmington NM, the first last and only one that I remember. My mom asked my dad for his belt. Which she then applied vigoursly to my seat of knowledge. Neither she or dad believed in waiting for privicy, for taking care of an offence. Good behavior as well as bad behavior was awarded when and where it took place, whether in public or private. I was four years old at the time. An aunt once asked dad why he did not child proof the house and his answer was “because we are house proofing the boys,” I had two younger brothers. We all three grew up to be well respected members of our community, as were my parents.