Ronald McDonald And The Cheese Factor.

Those wanting Ronald McDonald to retire because he promotes unhealthy eating underestimate the clown's cheese factor.

He’s aged well and people still like him. A lot.

When critics called for his retirement at McDonald’s recent shareholder meeting, CEO Jim Skinner said no way, declaring that the nearly 50-year-old mascot is a beloved ambassador for the McDonald’s brand and its Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Point taken. Ronald McDonald House Charities has done a tremendous amount of good for improving the lives of children and their families throughout the world.

But when Skinner added that Ronald “does not hawk food” (and here’s where it gets cheesy), the shareholders applauded and then booed the advocacy group.

After all, the group was indicting a clown for “sending insidious messages to young people.”

But why wedge their beef between McDonald’s and the public?

Wouldn’t a better place be between parents and their kids?