From “Drinking Soda Is Actually Good For You: Why I’m Against the Bloomberg Ban” by Jeff Halevy
“Last week, New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg unveiled his proposal to ban the sale of sweetened sodas in sizes larger than 16 ounces…However, when government takes an arbitrary legislative potshot at the symptom, not the cause, of a problem, how much better off are we? Do we want to be hobbled by government making lifestyle choices for us, or empowered by government teaching and supporting better choices? I for one would much rather see legislation making daily physical education and nutrition classes mandatory for our students, ingraining better lifestyles and choices. And I’d love to see the Big Gulp yanked — not due to legislation, but due rather to poor sales from a healthy, educated consumer.”
Questions for Consideration
Why should or shouldn’t other cities adopt similar legislation? What can be done to urge individuals to make better choices about their food and drink consumption? What role should our government play in making lifestyle choices for us or teaching and supporting better choices? Is drinking soda a right?
Want to learn more?
- Another sin tax on soda wrong way to fight fat
- New York soda ban won’t work, marketing experts say
- Legal challenges to New York soda ban face uphill climb
- Fat Nag says: Crack down on sugar
- Farewell, super-size sodas?
Free and open to the public. For more information please call 312.422.5580.
If you need a sign interpreter or require other arrangements to fully participate, please call 312.422.5580. For parking locations near the facility, please visit ChicagoParkingMap.com.