Should Happy Meals be outlawed? Apparently a group of lawmakers in California think so.

This week, in a 3-2 vote, they made it illegal to sell meals containing a toy incentive in Santa Clara County.

Proponents said the little toys fast food restaurants package in their kids meals should be banned because kids are being "enticed to eat unhealthy food" to get the toys.

 They cited a study that said one in four kids in Santa Clara County are obese of overweight. The law which goes into effect in 90 days carries fines of up to $1,000 for restaurants that don't remove the kids meals from their menus.

OK, I'm one of those naive and idealistic parents who said they would never take their kids to McDonalds. The number of Happy Meal toys in my car is a testament to how well THAT worked out. However, although I don't make a habit of it, there are healthier options at McDonald's. My son gets chicken nuggets, apple dippers and apple juice when he gets a Happy Meal. This combo is 380 calories as compared with 700 calories for a cheeseburger, fried and chocolate milk.

To be honest, my son is not that big on the toys. Far more of an incentive for him is the playland at McDonalds. Does that mean the playlands should be outlawed because they attract kids to eat unhealthy foods?

And unfortunately, marketing products to children is a part of our society. When I was a kid, we grabbed the Cocoa Puffs and Sugar Smacks at the grocery for the junky toy in it. Even the old classic Cracker Jacks was partially marketed on the prize inside. What makes that any different?

I don't like Happy Meal toys. I think they are junky, make to be thrown away and are a waste of resources. But I don't think it's up to government officials to decide what my child can or cannot get at a fast food place. The last time I checked, parenting my child was up to me.