New York Soda Ban
This past September, the New York Board of Health passed a Soda Ban that New Yorkers cannot but sugary drinks such as soda in sizes 16 oz. or larger at restaurants, concession stands, and other places in an effort to help decrease obesity. The main question is, “ Should this go into effect throughout the United States?” New Yorkers already have ads and campaigns on the issue. On one hand, there are many people against the ban because it is more about letting the people make their own decisions on what they drink. The soda restrictions proposal seemed to be one step too far for many people. Soda strikes a nerve because it’s a choice being taken away, as if they are children being told no by a parent. However, there are people for the ban so the rise of obesity in the United States hopefully would decrease.
New York Times poll shows 60% of New Yorkers opposing the ban, even though 5% reported drinking soda less than once a week or never. Taking away a persons’ right to drink as much soda as they want is too overbearing for some people. It is a common right being taken away.
My stance on the matter is that people should be allowed to drink as much pop as they would like. It’s great that the Health Board is trying to end obesity, but they need to do it in different ways, not telling people “No.” This is a form of socialism because the government is trying to control the people by telling them what they can and cannot drink.
Consider if food industries would lower the price of vegetables and healthier food rather than having lower prices in fast food restaurants for fatty foods. As a result, people choose fast food restaurants because it’s cheaper and faster. In order to buy a meal at McDonalds it cost about 3 to 4 dollars. Where as to buy some vegetables from the grocery to be able to make a meal it costs 2 to 3 dollars alone. If the industries would lower the prices for healthier food people would make that more of an option, therefore helping the cause of obesity. Ultimately to let people have their own choice and not be told they cannot have something.
As a result, I believe the rest of the United States does not need this ban. They were right in only testing the ban in one state. I am against any restrictions about what foods we should eat. Hence food industries should work on lowering prices on healthier food. This would help the obesity situation in our country decrease, therefore helping the problem at hand. Giving people options is a better choice in lowering obesity rather than telling them no.