Sugary Soda: New National Enemy but Can I have a Refill?

New York City is considering banning the sale of large sodas and other sugary drinks in the restaurants, delis and movie theaters in order to “fight the fat” problem in America. This kind of idiotic regulation is usually an amusement for me and not the kind of subject write about

The proposal would take 20-ounce sugar soda bottles off the shelves for the most part and eliminate super-sized sugar drinks from fast-food joints. It is the latest initiative from outrageous governments all over the country to limit individual choice and to control the most detailed facets of everyday life.

I guess there is an obesity issue in the country. Cheap food, high fructose corn syrup, fast food availability, lack of parental oversight may all be causes. SO WHAT! Let people decided what they want to eat and drink. This kind of nanny thinking shows that those who govern some of us believe we are stupid, incapable of making any decisions. God forbid, independent thought.

Fine, ban pop machines in schools. We never had them when I was growing up and they are present these days because schools make money on them. They should not be there anyway. But to limit the size of a drink for a man-hot, thirsty and encrusted with his own sweat created by earnest toil, who want to enjoy a giant, cold drink is just asinine. Under this proposal, he will just have to buy 2 of the 16-ounce size or cue up for a free refill. 

Do not want fat kids? How about some responsibility from indulgent parents? How about serving fruits and vegetables at home? Now there is a novel idea. How about saying no to a whining child. How about not eating dessert at home?

If the government just wants to regulate things to earn their keep, let them outlaw TV reality shows, and talking on a mobile phone in an elevator. Punish someone who asks the clerk at McDonald’s what do they have, the person who does not have their money ready at the grocery store and the driver who inadvertently leaves their turn signal on. What about that guy who does not return his shopping cart to its proper place in the parking lot?

I have to say, I am horrified by this proposal. Will the government soon be giving me a prescribed menu every day? Can they tell me when to I can go potty to regulate water usage?

It also saddens me the country has lost all common sense. There is no expectation a person can make a decision-even a wrong one- for himself. It is sad, we have politicians who have such little faith in their flock of sheep.

The motives Mayor Bloomberg are probably sincere. However, the direction is so so so wrong on so many levels and is extremely disturbing. We deserve better treatment but I guess we all reap what we have sown.