Ban the Soda Can?

As many of you probably heard, New York City's Mayor Bloomberg has proposed a ban on the sale of all sugary drinks greater than 16 ounces at city restaurants, delis, food trucks, movie theaters and sporting arenas.  Initially, I thought this was a great idea because there is absolutely no nutritional benefit from consuming soda.  Having all those chemicals, artificial colors, and sugars does have a direct correlation with weight gain especially when consumed consistently and in large quantities.  On the other hand, I completely understand a person's right to chose whether or not they want to purchase a 24 ounce Coke while they're at the movies or a 36oz Mountain Dew while they're at a basketball game.  Do I think that people should be drinking that much soda, absolutely not!  I believe that NYC officials  are proposing this ban in good faith, but if a person is not committed to making healthier choices then there will minimal effect on the obesity epidemic.  Believe me I am not an advocate for soda, in fact I haven't consumed any soda in well over a year, but I just feel like if you start limiting how much soda people can purchase what's next?  People need to be better informed about the detrimental effects of soda and unhealthy foods.  As I've stated in the past, you can't help someone that doesn't want to be helped so trying to force people to drink less soda will only irritate individuals more as they see it as an invasion of their right to make decisions for themselves.

Below are just some articles/videos that I found on the topic some funny, some informative.  Feel free to leave your comments below!

http://www.hulu.com/watch/366623/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart-drink-different-pick-your-poison

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsoLHOPdWeU

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/01/new-york-soda-ban-government-restriction-public-health-regulations_n_1562060.html

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-06/D9V8IJGO0.htm