Spaw- You are right, IMO. I'd solve the dilemma by eating wherever the hell I wanted, since I am the paying adult. I'd negotiate with Katherine and Kristine, in their snot-sleeved shirts and socks that would make even you turn pale. I'd explain that once we were done eating, we would go to BK where they could torment younger children at will.

If it were me, I'd dutifully stand in line while my kids played, and order a styrofoam of water. Got to throw them a bone, and you and your family would be history after that. It wouldn't be too hard to slip a Taco Bell bag past the Whopper folks. It's unlikely, since in my experience, they can't even make a plain cheeseburger for my Katherine- spelled meat and cheese only- no mustard, ketchup etc. Not long ago I made a point of telling the person twice, (at McDonalds)-"OK, I'm telling you again because you always get it wrong. Meat and cheese only". And guess what? They got it wrong. Pickles, mustard, the whole bit. I really had fun trying to embarass them in front of the other customers in line, but I just got blank stares. Frustrating.

When I read the thread title, I assumed it was going to be about the alleged ethics of the fast food industry itself. I was prepared to launch into my praises of the Ronald McDonald house, who so generously put up my family in grand style when my very premature grandson was born six years ago. We'd have been fucked without them, (and the neonatal ICU at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs). Excellent outcome.

The nearest fast food to me is 20 miles. The nearest McDonalds is 40 miles. (Funny how this shit gets more appealing the further you live from it). I still slip a buck or two into the can whenever I visit McDonalds, in spite of their otherwise bright employees corrupted by their workplace.

But I basically agree with you, Spaw. Taking fast food from one place to another is crossing the lines of civility. BlueJay