Calories

Steve Chapman is a Chicago columnist whose politics I can't pin down. Sometimes he writes like a semi-liberal, others like a moderate conservative. This column is one of the moderately conservative efforts, and I disagree with the point I think he's making. Just because most people ignore it doesn't mean that requiring commercial dining establishments (fast food joints) to post the calorie content of the stuff they're selling is a bad idea. I admit to a personal bias on this subject because I'm obsessed with calorie-counting, and sometimes circumstances require me to buy a meal in a franchise eatery like Red Lobster or Jason's Deli. Even if I wind up consuming more calories than I'd prefer, knowing how many helps me compensate the next time I eat.

We got a gift card to Red Lobster from some relative, and decided to use it rather than regift it. I went online, found their website, and used the nutrition information section to check the calorie content of my favorite menu choices. I was able to decide what to order to meet my calorie goal in advance, and enjoyed the meal more as a result.

So excuse me, Steve, if I don't share your negative libertarian views on the issue.