Okay so this isn't really all that recent, but it's not ancient either! This summer for my controversial issues packet for AP English III one of my articles was about a New York soda ban proposal. This article was posted on July 24, 2012. Well now, the ban was passed in September and will go into effect on March 12, 2013. Basically, Mayor Bloomberg of New York City proposed a ban on large amounts of soda being sold in restaurants and gas stations such as the 7/11 "Big Gulp." Bloomberg and health oficials say that soda is toxic and a large contributor to obesity. "More people will die this year of obesity than of starvation," Mayor Bloomberg said. America is in fact known for our obese population. Is that due to our immense amount of freedom, something we are also known for? Is there such thing as too much freedom? Those who oppose the ban say there is no such thing. 60% of New Yorkers say that ban is a bad idea. Daniel Halloran, a New Yorker, says the ban is just another way for the government to crack down on us and slowly take away our freedom. Eliot Hoff, a spokesman for New Yorkers for Beverage Choices wrote, “By imposing this ban, the board has shown no regard for public opinion
or the consequences to businesses in the city." However, the ban was passed with a vote of eight to zero!
I think this ban was a smart choice. However, I do see where Mr. Eliot Hoff is coming from. There will be many upset people and many badly affected businesses and I'm sure Mr. Bloomberg is ver yaware. But it seems Americans health is more important to him, which is good! If we don't watch our health, no one will even be alive to run these businesses!
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/14/nyregion/health-board-approves-bloombergs-soda-ban.html
Source: http://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2012/09/13/nyc-board-of-health-passes-soda-ban/
Source: http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2012/0724/New-York-soda-ban-proposal-Public-hearing-gets-impassioned
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