Life, liberty and the pursuit of Dr. Pepper

[gnpine]

So, the mayor of NYC is trying to ban all sodas larger than 16oz, claiming they cause obesity. . . I'm interested to know how people feel about that.

My first thought is "are you freaking kidding me?!" Are we ready to let the government tell us what and how much we can drink?

[OE800_85]

Is it much different from requiring the surgeon general's warning on cigarette packs? Or banning smoking indoors? In my opinion, the whole point of government is giving up some form of freedom for the greater good. In the state of nature we have the freedom to do a lot of things, that didn't work out so well for us. Today we also have the freedom to make being obese/overweight the norm. Only about 30% of Americans are at a healthy weight, as I recall. I haven't even mentioned child obesity, which essentially dooms our kids to a life of being fat and severely unhealthy.

Also, when individuals want to push forward legislation (like improving school lunches, creating a better standard food labels, make companies accountable for deceptive advertising), and they get strong-armed by congress (which is serving the interest of large corporations, funding their campaigns), is that democracy? The way I see it, money is what buys you freedom in America today. The more you have of it, the more you've got. Companies have just tricked us to believe it really exists today.

[gnpine]

The way I see it, money is what buys you freedom in America today. The more you have of it, the more you've got.

I agree with that statement, but my point is: It's not the government's job to regulate how much soda we can drink! That is not the constitutional role of government. It's another step on the road to totalitarian government.

[OE800_85]

Well, for me, the big disconnect is in the whole "lack of discipline" argument. Saying how these obese Americans have no self control. Why is it, that has never played such a massive role until today? We are constantly barraged by marketing and advertising for unhealthy food, and it never ends. Never in history has such a large population had such obesity problems, ever. Human nature has been consistent over this period, the only thing that's changed is the aggressiveness of food advertising.

I don't want to slam down the opinions of others, I just love to argue. Also, has anyone seen "the weight of the nation" from hbo? Incredible documentary.

[AlbaTiVo]

I don't drink pop very often, maybe a handful of times a year, but I think people should be allowed to drink what they like.

[Publius]

Here's the problem. When we start letting the government draw these lines for us, there is no limit to where or how many lines they can draw. Who's to stop them from saying white bread, or juice is banned? They claim it causes obesity, but what would their reasoning be for x, y, and z? Too much of anything isn't good for you, period. Chugging gallons and gallons of water isn't heathy... should they ban water now? Once you let the government get their foot in the door they have full reign and control.

As for this law in particular that wants to ban sodas larger then 16oz... What if the person just decides to buy multiple 16oz bottles? Are they going to now restrain people from how much they can buy? I for one sure don't want to live in a communistic country where my food is rationed for me.

[Irongirl18]

Who cares about Dr. Pepper... the Healthcare bill just passed!
-Praying for our country

[Publius]

Who cares about Dr. Pepper... the Healthcare bill just passed!
-Praying for our country

The Healthcare bill is a very important issue, however it's not just the Dr Pepper that's the issue in this thread, it's the fact that once again the Government is trying to take control of areas of life that it should have no business in - just like the healthcare. The government shouldn't be involved in how we receive healthcare and it should be involved in what food we purchase and consume.

[OE800_85]

First of all, communism has to do with distribution of wealth, it has nothing to do with distribution of power, let's not enter a totally different debate. Mayor Bloomberg was very clear on saying you can buy as many smaller drinks as you like, there's no restriction on that. I agree that it's a sacrifice of freedom (however small, I don't like it) but it serves a really good purpose. No one, ever, should really need to drink something like that. Large food companies have created this need in you, we've never desired to drink such ridiculous drinks until recently. Even if you go back a few decades, portions were much smaller. In my opinion, the obesity issue is the single biggest issue in america today and it's cast aside. The cost to healthcare programs, not to mention the health problems caused.

About the healthcare issue, it makes me think of the seat belt law. Something incredibly stupid (not wearing a seatbelt, not having health insurance) that tons of people do and die needlessly as a result of. If people were a little bit responsible, then maybe these laws wouldn't exist, but they do. Ironically it was modeled after Romney's plan, Obamacare is actually a republican idea that Obama adapted because he felt it would be the only way to get support in congress.

[ryoder]

Romney Care and Obama Care are nothing more than wealth redistribution, Western European style socialism, and a clear attempt to control the lives of the citizens who pay for and bestow power to the federal government. Without us, the federal government would not exist. It exists only to serve us, the people, and the individuals who make up this country. This healthcare law is an abomination and must be repealed ASAP. The federal government's overreach is inexcusable and unconstitutional. If someone needs a hand just ask me, but don't expect me to pay your bills with my taxes. Health insurance is a product that we buy and not a right.
I am very upset about the lack of objectivity that the supreme court displayed with this ruling. This type of thing divides a nation.