New York City last week approved a ban on big, sugary drinks at restaurants because of an increase in the number of residents who are obese.
So, this week's Q-Line question asked:
Do you think it's a good idea to ban sugary drinks or did the government go too far?
Here are your responses:
"Even though I am more or less a conservative, and I do believe that people should have the right of freedom of expression, I do agree that big sugary drinks are not good. So I think it's good that the city of New York banned it. However, for San Malicious, I don't know about that. Perhaps it goes a bit too far. But in terms of diet, I think it's a good idea."
"Mayor Doomfield is another one of the many aunties from the nanny state. His leftist opinions are right alongside the views from our City Council. These people hate you. You are nothing but sheep to them. They feel anointed by the high priest of fashionable socialist thought to think for you because you, in their view, are an infantile mind unable to see what's best for yourself. Banning large colas, plastic bags, smoking, parking meters, car lanes, beach bird sanctuaries. Sure it's small stuff today, but what about tomorrow? When you give political hacks the power to think for you, it corrodes their self-indulgent egos with a narcissistic blindness. It corrupts an already weak freedom understanding person. A true leader understands people are free to make their own choices. He sets the example of simplicity. He appreciates that people find their own way, in other words the exact opposite of the City Hall aunties."
"New York City is run by idiots. Since Santa Monica is run by idiots just as stupid as the ones in New York, it wouldn't surprise me if they tried to do something as bonehead as this. There are a lot of important things to deal with, stop wasting time on this."
"Let's see, they already tell us what toilets to buy, what cars to drive, what light bulbs to use, what to carry our groceries in, what our kids must sit in until ready to start middle school (while in a car), if we can smoke any place in the city (even in our homes), what to feed our kids, etc. I could go on and on. The banning of sugary drinks is not a surprise. Do I think they have any business running our lives to this degree? Absolutely not. Little by little we are losing our liberties. This is one of the stupidest things I have ever heard. Come on people, open your eyes and see where we are heading!"
"I don't think banning sugary drinks or fatty foods is the answer. While I agree that people are too stupid to realize that what they are consuming is killing them, I don't believe we should take away freedom of choice. But we can make that choice more expensive. I'd like to see a soda tax, a fast-food tax, etc. so that buying those large sodas or that triple cheeseburger will be more costly and perhaps cause people to think before opening their mouths. With the new healthcare law, we should have different rates for health coverage. Those who exercise and have a lower body-fat ratio should be charged less than those who are obese since they will most likely be visiting emergency rooms less since they are in shape."
