Sodas in a Dry New York

A Public Health measure or an Unacceptable Attack on Individual Liberties?

In New York City, where controversy is a way of life, the proposition made Wednesday by Mayor Michael Bloomberg banning the sale of 16-plus ounce sodas (several drops around a half-liter) in restaurants, movie theatres, and other vendors, sparked a debate of rare fierceness.

The mayor, who justified his decision by calling up the “obesity epidemic that strangles our country,” has likewise faced an outcry on behalf of a good segment of the population, who hardly appreciate, apparently, that someone tells them what to do.

On all the television and radio stations during the past 48 hours, New Yorkers complained that one “can dictate whatever they want.” “It’s a scandal. America was founded on the concept of liberty. Now, we’re turning into a new dictatorship,” exclaimed a passerby questioned on the local radio Thursday night.

Bloomberg has made the health of his citizens one of his priorities, and notably put into place a prohibition on smoking in restaurants and public places, and demanded that fast food restaurants give information on the calories in their food. His new measure only needs the approval of the New York Board of Health’s to be put into action by next March.

Between now and then, much could still happen. Besides, several New Yorkers pointed out that the elections are set for next year and that Bloomberg cannot run [in them]. At the moment, his three potential successors are said to be against the soda ban.