Chapter 10: Left Team

"The case revolves around the issue of defamation, the right to freedom of speech, and corporate responsibilities."

"The McDonald's group argues against the misleading information in the leaflet, denying the issue of the treatment of animals reared for industrial purposes."

"But there's no smoke without fire, right?" Alice rebuked. She then continued before the right team could refute.

"It is well known that the food industry often neglects ethical considerations when raising poultry to maximize profit. They rear them in small, confined spaces with limited movement. The London Greenpeace's leaflet also exposed the supplier to be abusive and cruel in handling the animals."

Mimi quickly supported Alice.

"Plus, the improper treatment of poultry is impossible to neglect, as the corporation surely has representatives to scout and oversee the farm's conditions before partnering with them. It appears that the McDonald's group might have turned a blind eye just to take the easy way without considering the product's quality."

On the opposite team, Yingying refuted, "Those are all accusations. The McDonald's group has presented evidence to counter the allegations. Plus, the court has evidence and ruled some of the information to be misleading and defaming the corporation."

"Although there is evidence of rearing animals in small, confined spaces, there is no direct evidence to prove abuse and animal cruelty," Yingying continued.

"The court is right in ruling that some of the information is defaming and thus affecting the corporation. The issue has also damaged the McDonald's group's reputation."

The class was getting heated. Three consecutive points were presented by the right team. The left team then continued their argument.

"But the issue revealed by the activist group isn't just about improper handling of the food supply, but also extends to environmental and consumer health concerns."

"The pollution that occurs as a byproduct during food manufacturing, as well as deforestation to cultivate feed, have an impact on the environment for years."

The left team quickly replied, "It's impossible to build buildings without clearing forests, right? All modern development starts with clearing huge chunks of forest. The argument is invalid!"

"What about the health concerns? Shouldn't the McDonald's group be responsible for that?"

"Why would they? People have a choice in deciding the food they consume. Nobody forces them to eat at fast-food chains if they're concerned about their health. The activist group is just taking advantage of the environmental advocacy name to sabotage an emerging company."

"Can you imagine the loss in national income if large corporations like McDonald's ceased to exist? How many workers would lose their livelihoods?"

The left team argued, "But that doesn't mean McDonald's is doing the right things. They still neglect the main issue of the quality of poultry and food products they produce before the case."

"The activist group shouldn't be fined just because they revealed the truth to consumers. It's their right to freedom of speech, and by doing so, large corporations would be forced to keep their practices in check."

"The consumer would be given the highest quality for their money, and it would raise caution to many other suppliers to do things right."

"But their actions do have a negative impact on the corporation, and they need to cover the losses."

"But since it's proven that some of the allegations are true, why wouldn't the McDonald's corporation face consequences too? Even if it's not monetary, there should be countermeasures to correct their wrongdoings."

"And… time!" yelled Prof Yu. "Good points of argument from both teams, well done."

"The court's ruling might not always be in your favor. Often, it leaves people with lingering questions. But the result is always presented by the evidence. The losing team is…"

"Congratulations to the left team! Please send your case study report to me by the end of the week! Class dismissed."

"Ohh!" sighed the right team.

The left team left the class victoriously. To be able to escape additional assignments was such a blessing.

"Alice, wait up!" called Prof Yu.