Freedom Fighters or Calorie Counters?

Forbidden fruit is always sweeter. Since the beginning of time, this is a known fact. There’s something about telling people they can’t have something that makes them want it even more. For New York City citizens, they may become all too familiar with this scenario sooner than they think. Last month, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that in order to promote healthier lifestyles in the city, there should be a ban on the sale of large-sized sodas (over 16 ounces) in restaurants, coffee shops, sporting venues, etc (besides grocery stores). He believes the city is obese, and this will help them make more health conscious beverage selections. Ironically, New York City was participating in National Donut Day the very next day after this very press conference. Entenmann’s even unveiled a 1 foot in diameter donut in Madison Square Park. That happened at the same time Michael Bloomberg’s proclamation letter was set to be unveiled by the public. WTH?! So it’s ok to eat donuts, as long as you don’t drink 32 oz sodas????

Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Linda Gibbs, tried to defend the conflict between the red light on sodas and the green light on donuts by stating, “The celebratory events, the naming days in honor of individuals or items, or frivolities that are fun and [bring] exceptional joy are quite distinct from a public health agenda.” Yeah….Right Mayor Gibbs. If that helps you sleep at night…. As if to give the city some kind of treat to avoid cold turkey soda binges, Diet soft drinks and 0 calorie options would be excluded from the soda ban. But if you thought New Yorkers were taking this lightly, then think again. Although they will not be able to vote to stop the proposed ban (only approval from the NYC Department of Health is needed), members of the New Yorkers for Beverage Choices hand delivered over 6,100 comments from New Yorkers who oppose the ban. They also brought forth a very good point on the scheduling of yesterday’s public hearing: ”By scheduling this hearing in the middle of a business day during many restaurants’ and delis’ busy lunch periods, the Department of Health is sending a clear message that they are not interested in hearing what real New Yorkers have to say about this proposal.” New Yorkers are not standing by to watch how this situation fizzles out. They’re taking matters into their own hands to make a difference.

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