Dr. Jason Newman used an electronic message board outside of a county health department to alert residents of the dangers of commonly enjoyed foods such as fries and hamburgers.  He posted creative slogans such as “French Fries Thunder Thighs” to get the attention of passers-by.  Then, he made the attack more personal and took on popular chains such as KFC and Dunkin’ Donuts.

Dr. Newman had a few choice words to say about donuts, and more specifically, Dunkin’ Donuts.  However, it was this play on Dunkin’s slogan that forced him to resign from his job: “America Dies on Dunkin’ ” – business owners felt he took it too far with this one.

So, I ask you - was he taking it too far, or was the forced resignation too far?

On the one hand, his attacks grew personal.  And, it’s no secret that donuts aren’t health food – Dunkin’ Donuts makes no attempt to hide nutritional information, it’s available on their website - Dunkin’s isn’t forcing anyone to eat the donuts.  On the other hand, he was utilizing his freedom of speech and was using the county health department’s equipment to further his message (an appropriate venue).  Personal attacks may not have been necessary, but I have to appreciate a doctor who is so passionate about the health of his surrounding community.  Being overweight or obese, not exercising, and/or eating an unhealty diet can lead to a host of health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.  In turn, these problems can cause strokes, heart problems, kidney problems, and the list goes on…so in many ways, I have to appreciate a doctor that makes it his mission to try to prevent potentially fatal problems.  Dunkin’ Donuts may not be at the root of obesity, but it’s certainly a symptom of a larger problem.