As USA Today wrote some time ago, Corporate Accountability International recently called for McDonald’s to refrain from the use of Ronald McDonald as a symbol of the company calling him “a pied piper drawing youngsters all over the world to food that is high in fat, sodium and calories,” and they further affirmed Ronald is “sending insidious messages to young people.”

The «Retire Ronald» campaign started by anti-mcdonald’s enthusiasts 2 months ago and already managed to gain the support of 10,000 people in Boston.

Jim Skinner, CEO of McDonald’s flatly refused to entertain the demands of the overzealous group at a recent shareholder’s meeting. McDonalds clearly believes that CAI is overreacting.

«The answer is no,» Skinner said. «He is a force for good. He communicates effectively with children and families around balanced, active lifestyles. He does not hawk food.»

The seemingly physically fit clown does sell a few burgers to children and certainly to the nostalgic adults also. Possibly such groups should attack the awareness of what is in the food rather than how they are sold.