Bloomberg’s silly NYC ban on (some) large sugary drinks
ICYMI: Mayor Michael Bloomberg last week proposed a ban on the sale of large sizes of some sugary drinks in New York City’s restaurants, movie theaters, street carts, ballparks — pretty much everywhere but grocery and convenience stores.
It’s a silly ban, for a lot of reasons. One is that, like most nanny-state regulations, it’s arbitrary: The cutoff is 16 oz., which all but assures a growth industry for anyone who wants to manufacture 15.-oz. plastic bottles. Another is that it’s inconsistent: A 20-oz. bottle of Coca-Cola, with 65 grams of sugar, would be outlawed but a 21-oz. chocolate milkshake from McDonald’s, with 111 grams of sugar, would still be legal because it’s considered “dairy-based.” A third reason is that it’s bound to be ineffective: Why would someone who wants his sugar not just buy two 12-oz. cans of a sugary soft drink rather than that 20-oz. bottle (and end up drinking more)? And, in restaurants, these drinks must be served in cups that are 16 oz. or less — but refills will still be allowed.
But maybe the silliest thing of all about the ban is the rationale Bloomberg gave for it. From the New York Times’ story about the mayor’s proposal:
“Obesity is a nationwide problem, and all over the United States, public health officials are wringing their hands saying, ‘Oh, this is terrible,’ ” Mr. Bloomberg said in an interview on Wednesday in City Hall’s sprawling Governor’s Room.
“New York City is not about wringing your hands; it’s about doing something,” he said. “I think that’s what the public wants the mayor to do.” (emphasis added)
Ahem. If people wanted something done about obesity, and specifically about obesity linked to the consumption of sugary drinks, wouldn’t more people stop consuming sugary drinks?
In fact, given that the Times’ story reports that the city has found one-third of residents drink at least one sugary drink a day, isn’t it impossible to conclude that a ban on these drinks is what “the public” wants?
If the other two-thirds of the public (which, for the record, includes yours truly) doesn’t want to pay, directly or indirectly, for the health problems caused by obesity, the answer is to place the burden for paying for those problems more squarely on those people suffering them because of their own behavior.
– By Kyle Wingfield
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193 comments Add your comment
grated
June 4th, 2012
12:18 pm
Those jumbo drinks are at least two liters larger than your bladder can hold. Get rid of them.
Aquagirl
June 4th, 2012
12:32 pm
the answer is to place the burden for paying for those problems more squarely on those people suffering them because of their own behavior.
Or instead of this “compassionate conservatism” we could stop subsidizing the system that makes it possible to pay 89 cents for a Coke you can swim in.
The High Evoluntionary
June 4th, 2012
12:37 pm
New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles are 3 left-wing, elitist towns America would be better off having fall into the sea.
(Clayton County, South DeKalb & South Fulton (Below Turner Field) can join them.)
The High Evoluntionary
June 4th, 2012
12:39 pm
The government will let me abort another human being inside my body, but they don’t want to let me put a 44-ounce Coca-Cola into this same body.
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
June 4th, 2012
12:40 pm
I’ll guarantee you that government subsidized laziness and idleness is still very much legal in NY City, just sayin…
Wanna compare the damage, pinkos?
Getterson Vetterick
June 4th, 2012
12:40 pm
Liberalism nanny state run amok. And yet liberals still try to justify this craziness.
“we could stop subsidizing the system that makes it possible to pay 89 cents for a Coke you can swim in.”
What on Earth is this woman talking about with? We could stop subsidizing the system behind 89 cent cokes? What in the hell?
scrappy
June 4th, 2012
12:44 pm
Isn’t Bloomberg a Republican?
The High – How patrotic of you. People that have different views than you deserve nothing more than not only leaving the country but also being obliterated? Love to see how some of you right-wingers really feel.
Peadawg
June 4th, 2012
12:45 pm
I understand where he’s coming from but with the inconsistencies…I don’t think he’s thought it through.
Good for him for trying to do something about obesity.
Jefferson
June 4th, 2012
12:46 pm
Smoking bans ? What’s the difference ? so to speak.
Road Scholar
June 4th, 2012
12:46 pm
I agree with your arguments made to “get around” the size limits and the absurdity of other “dairy” foods with more calories and fat. But what is needed is an awareness program to people about their health and not diets, but lifestyle changes.
This is the same message about lifestyle changes that Michelle Obama has been making only to be criticized and told she is getting government involved in our lives. Give me a break! Listen to the message and correct your own errors in selecting smart actions on food and drink.I know I need to and have done so. Slamming down cokes/sodas is a thing of the past!
Mrs Obama’s actions and intentions are good. Healthier citizens help us control costs while enjoying the company of family and friends longer! What is the down side? I can only name the drivel some folks have spouted about government intervention.
Lil' Barry Bailout (Revised Downward)
June 4th, 2012
12:47 pm
Just another installment of
“More Laws, Less Freedom”
Thanks, libtards. Seems the only “freedoms” they care about have to do with perverting the moral underpinnings of a strong society.
BlahBlahBlah
June 4th, 2012
12:47 pm
What she means is the giant subsidies given to corn growers who produce the high fructose corn syrup that goes into every coke. Midwestern “small government” (allegedly) Republicans turn awfully liberal when it’s suggested those farmers need to lose their welfare!
Getterson Vetterick
June 4th, 2012
12:48 pm
I can’t figure out what’s crazier- this ridiculous ban on 32 ounce cokes by the nanny state or the liberals on here who don’t seem to have a problem with it. Its a small thing this 32 oz ban but losing your freedoms always starts off in a small sorta way.
HUH
June 4th, 2012
12:49 pm
Bloomberg is a Dummycrat…
Someone needs to tell our Government that they do not own the people of this country.. and that they need to stop telling US what we can or can not do in this FREE country.
Getterson Vetterick
June 4th, 2012
12:49 pm
Lil Larry,
The road to serfdom begins with the nanny state.
Road Scholar
June 4th, 2012
12:49 pm
The posts from 12:37 to 12:40 are what I refereed to in my blog above. Evolutionary? Bless their hearts!
finn mccool
June 4th, 2012
12:52 pm
What that poster is referring to is the subsidies for corn, etc – ingredients.
Getterson Vetterick
June 4th, 2012
12:52 pm
BlahBlah,
Last I looked those midwestern corn growing states voted Democrat last election. And ultra liberals like Tom Harkin are representative of these corn belt states.
Road Scholar
June 4th, 2012
12:54 pm
BlahBlahBlah:Understood, but do you realize you are trying to educate idiots? That “law” has zero chance of passing. I wonder if those naysayers above have as much anger with Rush when he starts spelling out stupid things like this soda ban/restrictions?
Lil' Barry Bailout (Revised Downward)
June 4th, 2012
12:55 pm
Hmm, we’re supposed to take advice on subsidies from folks who think we should give wealthy people $10,000 to purchase a Chevrolet?
Lil' Barry Bailout (Revised Downward)
June 4th, 2012
12:57 pm
There’s no law needed. Bloomberg controls the board that has the power to put the ban in place through regulation.
More Government, Less Freedom.
Jefferson
June 4th, 2012
1:04 pm
Drink all you want at home.
clyde
June 4th, 2012
1:08 pm
Isn’t it possible that there is more tax on two 12 oz.drinks as compared to one 20 oz.one? Would a Mayor stoop so low?
Aquagirl
June 4th, 2012
1:16 pm
Last I looked those midwestern corn growing states voted Democrat last election.
Really? Do you want to look at a map and reconsider that statement? In any case, states that did award their electoral votes to Obama did so because the populated areas—-for you, that’s “places that those ruggedly independent farmers aren’t growing corn”— went Democratic. The farming, less populated areas are Republican strongholds.
And what does that have to do with anything—-besides covering your “duh–WAT?” reaction to the news we subsidize soda production?
If it makes you cons feel any better, Mayor Bloomberg proposed removing soda from SNAP (”food stamps”) eligibility a couple of years ago. He apparently doesn’t like welfare for anyone when it comes to soft drinks. It’s interesting most of y’all squeal like pigs when consumers receive tax dollars, but are unaware/unconcerned when the producers get welfare.
Darwin
June 4th, 2012
1:25 pm
First – I believe the mayor is an Independent. So, stop the Democratbashing (yea, right). Second – Kyle, you mention placing the burden for paying for those problems more squarely on those people suffering them because of their own behavior.
OK – I’m good with that. But doesn’t that conflict with your Republican held views that we can do whatever we want because this is America? And exactly how would we start placing that burden? Do we start weighing people? Wouldn’t the right consider that “big government”?
Kyle Wingfield
June 4th, 2012
1:26 pm
Aquagirl @ 12:32: If making people more responsible for the consequences of their actions leads them to make better choices, I consider that compassionate.
That said, I’m fine with ending the sugar subsidies, too.
Kyle Wingfield
June 4th, 2012
1:29 pm
And the corn subsidies.
clyde
June 4th, 2012
1:31 pm
And the welfare subsidy.
Mike
June 4th, 2012
1:32 pm
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/05/nyregion/mayor-supports-plan-to-change-marijuana-arrest-policy.html?_r=1&hp
So smoking pot is OK, smoking cigarettes and drinking sodas isn’t?
Tiberius - Banned from Bookman's and proud of it!
June 4th, 2012
1:38 pm
Michael Bloomberg is a putz.
No other commentary on this subject needs to be said.
Getterson Vetterick
June 4th, 2012
1:40 pm
Aquagirl,
Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, who did those corn growing states vote for during the last election? And I think other states like Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, that are also corn growing states may also have voted for Obama last election.
Getterson Vetterick
June 4th, 2012
1:41 pm
Tiberius,
Most liberals are putzes. Nanny state enthusiasts too.
Aquagirl
June 4th, 2012
1:51 pm
Getterson, I’m still not sure what the voting patterns of corn producing states has to do with anything, beyond a “but…but….OBAMA!!!” response. And, as I mentioned earlier, covering your embarrassment that you don’t understand subsidizing the main ingredients means subsidizing production.
In short…I don’t care if you want to somehow bring Obama into this, please indulge your obsession with somebody who won’t point out your utter lack of logic and thought process. It’s for your sake. Really.
1961_Xer
June 4th, 2012
2:04 pm
Really? Do you want to look at a map and reconsider that statement?
Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, who did those corn growing states vote for during the last election?
Bingo. Those states represent 4 of the 5 top corn growing states. All are CLEARLY blue states. Collectively, they represent over half the corn produced in this country (most states produce some amount of corn). Sucks when you liberals find out that the folks getting the lion’s share of this much-hated subsidy are DEMOCRATS.
Don
June 4th, 2012
2:09 pm
This whole thing is just another case of government “doing nothing but making it look like something”. It’s their favorite trick! Keeps our minds off that there are important things they SHOULD be doing, but are not.
Nearly all fast food places will give you free refills regardless of what sized cup you purchase.
Sigh…
Getterson Vetterick
June 4th, 2012
2:11 pm
Aquagirl,
Please see 1961_Xers statement about the top corn growing states. And lets do away with the corn subsidies. I’m all for it. Are these liberal blue states that we are talking about for it?
@@
June 4th, 2012
2:13 pm
If the other two-thirds of the public (which, for the record, includes yours truly) doesn’t want to pay, directly or indirectly, for the health problems caused by obesity, the answer is to place the burden for paying for those problems more squarely on those people suffering them because of their own behavior
I’m thinkin’ that won’t happen since, according to Lloyd Madden, President of BAPAC (Black American Political Action Committee)…it’s the poor that will suffer the greatest impact.
Not a big fan of sodas. Only time I have one is when I’m eating smoked or roasted oysters, which isn’t often.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
June 4th, 2012
2:15 pm
Also, note that sugar hasn’t been used in regular coca-coal since 1984. That product is 100% corn. only recently have you seen foreign-bottled coca-cola in the US (mostly brought in from Mexico) with sugar in the ingredients.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
June 4th, 2012
2:15 pm
err, coca-cola, not coca-coal.
Aquagirl
June 4th, 2012
2:17 pm
Sucks when you liberals find out that the folks getting the lion’s share of this much-hated subsidy are DEMOCRATS.
Oh yeah, those corporate bigwigs are well known for their democrat proclivities. I’m sure ConAgra’s board is a hotbed of liberal bedwetting.
If the corn producers were voting Democratic to get all those subsidies, why did the rural areas of those states mostly vote Republican? Are people in downtown Cedar Rapids growing corn on their rooftops?
Road Scholar
June 4th, 2012
2:17 pm
Getterson: While we’re at it do away with any agricultural subsidy…like peanuts in Georgia, and cotton (if there is one) for the south. Add to it any special tax break for oil. There. That should do regardless of red or blue!
Aquagirl
June 4th, 2012
2:19 pm
Not a big fan of sodas. Only time I have one is when I’m eating smoked or roasted oysters
@@, I’m sure there’s a story behind that, but I am TOTALLY not going there.
Tiberius - Banned from Bookman's and proud of it!
June 4th, 2012
2:20 pm
Michelle Obama must be swooning over a photo of Michael Bloomberg this week.
“My HERO . . .!”
iggy
June 4th, 2012
2:23 pm
Ok, so no more Big Gulps. Whats to stop someone from buying 4 medium gulps.
Just more stupid legisation and waste.
ragnar danneskjold
June 4th, 2012
2:31 pm
The NYC soft drink ban is the perfect symbol of leftism in America.
Kyle Wingfield
June 4th, 2012
2:32 pm
Darwin @ 1:25: How, exactly, does making people responsible for the consequences of their actions conflict with “we can do whatever we want because this is America”? Personal freedom and personal responsibility go hand in hand.
Tiberius - Banned from Bookman's and proud of it!
June 4th, 2012
2:36 pm
There are two cup holders (or more) in every car. People who want more than 16 oz. are going to just buy 2 rather than 1, and increase the trash being discarded by doing so.
Bloomberg probably didn’t think of THAT when he came up with this stupid idea.
iggy
June 4th, 2012
2:41 pm
One cannot legislate personal hygiene, health, proper earing habits, morality etc. Just ask Finn, he takes a bath only once a week and that whether he needs it or not.
Ayn Rant
June 4th, 2012
2:43 pm
Republican governors and mayors just can’t resist bossing people around and ignoring the “liberty”we are guaranteed by the federal Constitution.
Let the fat ugly fools in New York City have their big, sugary drinks, and stop the whining!!
Jefferson
June 4th, 2012
2:44 pm
I’m laughing at you folks, the mayor has to put it into money so the greedy will agree.
getalife
June 4th, 2012
2:49 pm
You are still free to be fat cons.
Class 'of '98
June 4th, 2012
2:50 pm
Just put straight-jackets and helmets on everyone, feed them nothing but lettuce, crackers and water, make them live in locked, padded rooms, and we will all live forever!!
Why hasn’t anyone else thought of this?!?!?!
Aquagirl
June 4th, 2012
2:53 pm
Personal freedom and personal responsibility go hand in hand.
That personal responsibility works much better when it’s directly connected to the problem. Unfortunately we have kids guzzling down soda and getting fat who don’t suffer serious consequences for years. Put a $3 price tag on that Coke and people will think twice when they’re looking at the Coke, not flat on their back in an ER.
I agree we should encourage personal responsibility, but doing so while simultaneously encouraging the undesirable behavior is dumb. Internal programming to love soft drinks + delayed consequences = people drink a lot of soda. It’s not rocket science, and calling those people dumb and lecturing them doesn’t make a bit of difference. People who commute 30 miles per day are endangering their health too, I anxiously await their lecture from the cons here. Go for it, ladies and gents.
Tiberius - Banned from Bookman's and proud of it!
June 4th, 2012
2:54 pm
Obama’s “Julia” would just love this program designed to take care of her from cradle to grave.
Class 'of '98
June 4th, 2012
2:58 pm
“Mrs Obama’s actions and intentions are good”.
As with most liberals, intentions are all that matters.
And there is an 8-lane Highway to Hades paved with them.
Eazy peazy
June 4th, 2012
2:59 pm
Soda mfg’s should just pull all of the marketing $ from the NYC area, I think that would send the correct message.
The Fresh Prince of Bill Ayers
June 4th, 2012
3:00 pm
I hope they don’t do this to beer too! I like my 6 pack abs.
Class 'of '98
June 4th, 2012
3:02 pm
Which is more expensive, calling an ambulance for a 50 year-old obese smoker who dies on the way to the hospital or providing medical care for a physically fit person who lives to 105?
If we are really concerned about keeping down medical costs, we should be encouraging people to eat, drink, be merry and die young.
It’s a lot cheaper in the long run.
Rafe Hollister- trying to save the Choom Gang
June 4th, 2012
3:14 pm
Silly soda ban in the Obamanation, whodda thunk it?
I think we ought to ban maple syrup, nothing but sugar and water, with a little maple flavor. You can then eat your pancakes with a little oil of arugula. Make Michelle happy to come in from a hard day gardening and sit down for some pancakes and arugula oil.
Gotta keep the country balanced, you know in Barrack’s America if you go after corn, we have to go after something from a blue state.
That Black guy
June 4th, 2012
3:15 pm
grated
June 4th, 2012
12:18 pm
Those jumbo drinks are at least two liters larger than your bladder can hold. Get rid of them.
__________________________________________________________________________
Good thing they don’t go DIRECTLY to your bladder when you drink them, HUH?
GT
June 4th, 2012
3:18 pm
Couldn’t agree more.
I think the same thing about alcohol on Sunday.
That Black guy
June 4th, 2012
3:25 pm
Darwin
June 4th, 2012
1:25 pm
OK – I’m good with that. But doesn’t that conflict with your Republican held views that we can do whatever we want because this is America? – It shouldn’t
And exactly how would we start placing that burden? Do we start weighing people? – By making people pay for their OWN healthcare when they go into that Big Gulp induced coma.
Wouldn’t the right consider that “big government”? – Instead of painting with that HUGE broad brush, try THINKING a little. It’ll only hurt for a minute.
Don't Tread
June 4th, 2012
3:28 pm
“If people wanted something done about obesity, and specifically about obesity linked to the consumption of sugary drinks, wouldn’t more people stop consuming sugary drinks?”
And they are doing just that…Diet Coke and Coke Zero have gained a ton of market share. But that doesn’t stop them from regulating/taxing “sugary drinks”. Why not? Because blaming the drink and then taxing it brings more of other people’s money into city coffers, which is the real reason for doing this.
Grasshopper
June 4th, 2012
3:28 pm
And yet you can still buy the Broadway Danny Rose at the Carnegie Deli.
Shouldn’t that be Brother Bloombergs next target?
http://www.carnegiedeli.com/menu.php#pg6
iggy
June 4th, 2012
3:31 pm
Next thing ya know they will outlaw the Triple Whopper w/cheese. EGADS!!
Dearie
June 4th, 2012
3:36 pm
I agree with Kyle ~ Personal freedom and personal responsibility go hand in hand.
Aquagirl – “Unfortunately we have kids guzzling down soda and getting fat who don’t suffer serious consequences for years” – Are the kids guzzling soda without any knowledge of it by their parents? Where are they getting the money? Where are they starting this path to obesity – soda in baby bottles maybe? Do people really not know that soda is not good for a baby? We allow Coke and Pepsi vending machines in our schools as early as middle school. Coke and Pepsi vie to have their machines in the schools by giving the school free product, free machine and a subsidy. (Where do you think those large football field score boards come from – covered with product logos?) They get paid back royally in early “brand loyalty”. People choose their behaviours. Why should everyone else suffer their consequences?
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
June 4th, 2012
3:46 pm
Next rule: no dinner plate can have a diameter larger than 8″.
mwuahahahahaha. Silly politicians aren’t limiting or taking away your freedoms. They are just “curbing”your freedoms.
Grasshopper
June 4th, 2012
3:49 pm
Is hizzoner a hypocrite?
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/23/dining/23bloom.html?_r=1&hp
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
June 4th, 2012
3:51 pm
This is the kinda rule you put in place when you don’t even want to try education. We should take note of what’s in our “food” and educate our kids as to what it is and what it can do to you.
Tiberius - Banned from Bookman's and proud of it!
June 4th, 2012
3:54 pm
“They are just “curbing”your freedoms.”
If that isn’t one of the most vile and chilling comments ever posted on this, or any other blog, I don’t know what is.
Not surprising it comes from Finn McFool.
Melaine
June 4th, 2012
3:56 pm
What kind of logic is this? You can get an EBT card that allows you to buy sodas by the liter, sugary cereals, candy, pastries, etc., but I can’t go to the movies and share a 32oz drink @ $8 with my sweetie and have to purchase two 16oz. drinks @ $6 each? Get a grip Mr. Mayor and get out of the nanny business.
Aquagirl
June 4th, 2012
4:02 pm
Where are they starting this path to obesity – soda in baby bottles maybe?
Unbelievably….yes.
http://dentistry.about.com/b/2009/02/17/a-hidden-epidemic-central-appalachias-dental-crisis-revealed.htm
People do choose their behaviors, but it’s a good idea to make good behavior easier.And when you’re talking about undoing years of behavior set in childhood, an @$$hat lecture is…well, @$$hat. If you’re okay with letting people die of cardiac arrest on the sidewalk because that’s their “personal choice” that seems like a pretty harsh application of the concept. Obese, sickly people don’t enjoy being obese and sickly, their karma automatically doles out consequences for guzzling soda and camping on the couch. It’s easy to pass unspecified vague judgements like “let them pay” because it makes some people feel good.
Hillbilly D
June 4th, 2012
4:08 pm
I wouldn’t drink a Co-Cola if you bought me one but if somebody else wants to, it ain’t none of my business.
Tiberius - Banned from Bookman's and proud of it!
June 4th, 2012
4:09 pm
Let the obese and unhealthy die earlier.
We only want to use their carcasses for food, anyway.
Soylent Green is yummy. Or so I’ve heard . . .
@@
June 4th, 2012
4:09 pm
When Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta rolled out their ads targeted at families with obese children, there was a backlash from critics.
Some public health experts, however, say the approach could be counterproductive when it comes to childhood obesity. The commercials and billboards do not give families the tools they need to attack the problem, some critics say. Others say the images will simply further stigmatize obesity and make it even less likely for parents and children to acknowledge that their weight is unhealthy and should be addressed.
One parent, however, whose child participates in the Children’s Healthcare Clinic, had this to say:
“People have a tendency to blame others or to blame their situation,” she said. “But we have to own the choices that we make, and that’s why I feel it’s not too strong of a message. Our children are at risk, and as parents we have to own that.”
In way too many aspects of life, that message isn’t well received by the left.
Don Abernethy
June 4th, 2012
4:16 pm
Bloomberg is an embarrassment to the Republican party. Maybe he should consider joining a circus.
Don Abernethy
June 4th, 2012
4:19 pm
When I write a conservative opinion I get “we sense a duplicate statement”. In other words they don’t want you to comment..
Tiberius - Banned from Bookman's and proud of it!
June 4th, 2012
4:28 pm
Don Abernethy, sometimes if you “double-click” unintentionally when you hit submit (a touchy mouse or pad will cause this) the site registers a duplicate comment.
Has nothing to do with any possible censorship.
Hillbilly D
June 4th, 2012
4:36 pm
Don
Sometimes this site just doesn’t work worth a damn no matter what opinion you’re trying to voice. I have more trouble at Mark Bradley’s than anywhere.
Kyle Wingfield
June 4th, 2012
4:44 pm
Because Bloomberg has been alternately described as a Republican and a Democrat, let’s set the record straight: He used to be a Democrat, and then was a Republican, and has been an independent for about five years now.
Aquagirl
June 4th, 2012
4:44 pm
An off-topic way to end the day: mom chokes facebook bully in mall. Apparently facebook, like sugary soda, has some consequences.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/article1232843.ece
Kyle Wingfield
June 4th, 2012
4:49 pm
Folks, ajc.com gets thousands and thousands of comments every day. The commenting function screws up sometimes. Don’t take it personally or conspiratorially, even if I know it can be very frustrating if you’ve written a long comment and can only watch and wonder when it is vaporized.
Sometime later this year, we’re supposed to be implementing new back-end software that (in theory, anyway) should improve matters on this front.
AmVet
June 4th, 2012
4:50 pm
I once read that there are no fat people. Just plenty of unfit people.
A subtle distinction, I suppose but accurate.
Eliminating full time PE through grade 12 was, in my opinion, a huge mistake.
As a child, I remember an obese person – especially another child! – was truly an oddity. Now, sadly they are common place. (Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled, and today, nearly one in three children in America are overweight or obese.)
http://www.letsmove.gov/learn-facts/epidemic-childhood-obesity
And yes, Bloomberg’s proposed ban is stupid, because it addresses the symptoms not the cause.
But to demonstrate the magnitude of the problem, look at the recent, completely irrational (self-destructive?) backlash when the First Lady announced her excellent program, Let’s Move
From the utterly bizarre reaction of the (two-ton or otherwise) neocons, you’d think she was trying to sell American children into slavery, instead of trying to emulate JFK’s initiatives during the 1960s.
Sad…
Rafe Hollister- trying to save the Choom Gang
June 4th, 2012
4:51 pm
Whatever he is, Dem, Rep, or Indie, thank God, he belongs to NY and not GA.
Jefferson
June 4th, 2012
5:02 pm
Why are some drugs illegal ? What’s wrong with just letting personal freedom decide ? Ask Rush what wrong with OXY ? I mean some folks get scripts….
MarkV
June 4th, 2012
5:05 pm
Bloomberg is a smart guy, but even smart guys have occasionally a dumb idea like this one.. And equally dumb is an effort to politicize it.
Jefferson
June 4th, 2012
5:07 pm
You gotta draw the line somewhere, in NY its 16 oz.
Jefferson
June 4th, 2012
5:08 pm
Seat belts anyone ?
Lil' Barry Bailout (Unexpectedly Revised Downward--Again)
June 4th, 2012
5:11 pm
And equally dumb is an effort to politicize it.
———————–
We certainly wouldn’t want to politicize policy.
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
June 4th, 2012
5:11 pm
Considering all of the problems facing the average American, how exactly does the Gaystapo conclude that Slurpees need to be outlawed?
Is it any wonder you can’t find a job?
Lil' Barry Bailout (Unexpectedly Revised Downward--Again)
June 4th, 2012
5:13 pm
Maybe the government (i.e. libtards) should mind their own business.
That’s where I draw the line.
Jefferson
June 4th, 2012
5:15 pm
Have the cake and eat it too.
GT
June 4th, 2012
5:16 pm
Conspiratorially right wing? I just figured out why Romney is so paranoid he thinks the world thinks like Republicans who eat their young.
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
June 4th, 2012
5:18 pm
President Obozo has overseen the weakest recovery on record. He is on track to have the worst jobs record of any president in the modern era. The standard of living for Americans has fallen more dramatically during his presidency than during any since the government began recording it five decades ago. As of this writing, unemployment has been above 8 percent for 38 consecutive months, the longest such stretch since the Great Depression. Home values are nearly 35 percent lower than they were five years ago. A record 46 million Americans are now living in poverty.
And the dummycrat solution to this is to chase you down the street cause you got a Big Gulp.
Lil' Barry Bailout (Unexpectedly Revised Downward--Again)
June 4th, 2012
5:20 pm
I Report, nothing cures the libtard depression over their Moron Obozo’s failure like exercising a little arbitrary control over the little people.
md
June 4th, 2012
5:21 pm
Just one more step away from liberty………you know we are on the wrong path when “they” tell “us” what to do vs the other way around.
Although I agree obesity is a major problem and it drives up healthcare costs, where do we draw the line??
I agree with Kyle…..tier it out to the individual. Smokers pay more, drinkers pay more, fat folks pay more……it is a choice for many, so let them decide if they want to pay the piper……
GT
June 4th, 2012
5:22 pm
Hell let em eat cake, most of em are right wingers anyway. Do you ever watch “the bigest losers”, it looks like a Republican convention. You begin to see where the elephants come from. Old Newt is their poster boy, I bet he drinks out of a fire hose, which is legal in most states.
@@
June 4th, 2012
5:22 pm
To some folks sugar is like a drug. My daughter had friends in high school who would ransack my pantry looking for anything containing sugar. Said they were “bottoming out”. They were neither diabetic or obese. I can only speculate that their brain’s release of some chemical had slowed.
It’s been said that there are four foods which affect the brain and are potentially
addictive — sugar, chocolate, meat and cheese.
I can vouch for the chocolate thingy…the darker the better…the more bitter, the better.
Aquagirl
June 4th, 2012
5:25 pm
And the dummycrat solution to this
It’s not a “dummycrat” proposal, but don’t let that slow you down. You’re so darn cute when you rant until you’ve confused yourself.
Jefferson
June 4th, 2012
5:34 pm
With the GOP they are consistanly inconsistant, they look to the “me” angle, the “D” think they are helping. Both are full of crap.
GT
June 4th, 2012
5:37 pm
It’s been said that there are four foods which affect the brain and are potentially
addictive — sugar, chocolate, meat and cheese.
Life is getting like a crystle ball it is so clear. The GOP overdosed on sugar,chocolate and cheese, maybe a little wine. Some of them have no brain to affect but don’t let that slow ya down Tubs.
Lil' Barry Bailout (Unexpectedly Revised Downward--Again)
June 4th, 2012
5:43 pm
It’s a libtard proposal. Libtards have a congenital need to control people.
md
June 4th, 2012
5:46 pm
RIP “Captain Newkirk” (Hogan’s Heroes) or for the younger crowd Richard Dawson of Family Feud……
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
June 4th, 2012
5:53 pm
Michelle obozo has an a$$ the size of Detroit and GT says the Repugs are hooked on sugar, go figure…
Lil' Barry Bailout (Unexpectedly Revised Downward--Again)
June 4th, 2012
5:57 pm
Typical, isn’t it? It’s so much easier for the busybody Democrats and other libtards to tell everyone else what to do than to take care of their own lard issues.
Rafe Hollister- trying to save the Choom Gang
June 4th, 2012
6:01 pm
I Report
Maybe that big rear comes from eating all that arugula and organic food. As hard as she works in her garden and dancing for the kids in Lets Move, she should be shrinking. You don’t really think that Michelle eats sugar do you?
Road Scholar
June 4th, 2012
6:08 pm
I hope insulting Mrs. Obama made your day. Pitiful! And Kyle, are you pulling a “Romney” and ignoring those types of disrespectful insults? Everyone has an opinion; you don’t have to be an a$$hole expressing it!
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
June 4th, 2012
6:11 pm
I’m thinking if they don’t have a guard at the door of the White House pantry at night, they need one.
That monster probably swallows lobsters whole.
Lil' Barry Bailout (Revised Downward)
June 4th, 2012
6:15 pm
I hope insulting Mrs. Obama made your day.
———-
Democrat hypocrisy provides regular entertainment, so yeah, that did make my day!
Samantha
June 4th, 2012
6:25 pm
This is where having some idea of the kinds of problems that government should help solve and the kinds of problems that it should stay out of is important. Bloomberg looks like a nattering fool, inconsistent, ill-considered, silly, intrusive. The list goes on…
Why in the world is it a mayor’s job to “force” people to realize anything. The government is going to keep you from buying a 44 ounce drink with your own money but won’t keep you from buying two 22 ounce drinks. Liberals everywhere shoudl be horrified that one of their own has so embarrassed an entire political philosophy.
MarkV
June 4th, 2012
6:28 pm
The disgusting comments about Mrs. Obama are on a par for the disgusting Obama-bashers on this blog.
Lil' Barry Bailout (Revised Downward)
June 4th, 2012
6:30 pm
It must be really tiring to be a liberal and having to defend such idiocy on a daily basis. Why don’t you libs just give it up and be Americans again?
Lil' Barry Bailout (Revised Downward)
June 4th, 2012
6:33 pm
The emperor has no clothes, MaryK. Embrace reality and reject Mrs. Obozo’s quite obvious hypocrisy. The woman needs to hit the treadmill.
MarkV
June 4th, 2012
6:43 pm
The disgusting comments merely replace the stupidities expressed otherwise by the same people.
Kerfuddled
June 4th, 2012
6:44 pm
Liberals can be idiots quite frequently. Ditto the conservatives. If anyone wants to see what a nanny state run amok looks like, read up on the recent social “developments” in Sweden.
Tiberius - Banned by Bookman and proud of it!
June 4th, 2012
6:46 pm
Michelle Obama’s butt isn’t appropriate fodder for this discussion. However, her attempts to move government policy in this direction is.
Tiberius - Banned by Bookman and proud of it!
June 4th, 2012
6:49 pm
MaryV, you are the last person to be posting about the quality (or lack thereof) of anyone’s posts.
Your next post of substance will be your first post of substance.
Arpey
June 4th, 2012
6:50 pm
It’s one thing for the First Lady to recommend best practices when it comes to diet and exercise. An entirely different thing to legislate it by fiat.
Unless my use of food, beverage or drug impinges upon your safety or your freedoms, mind your own freaking business.
snoqualmiefalls
June 4th, 2012
6:51 pm
For once I will agree with Kyle that Bloomberg is chasing his tail on this one. More personal responsibilty is required… none of us want to pay the medical bills from early onset of diabetes, heart condition or related conditions due to a bad diet.. ain’t gonna happen by government fiat/social engineering. Thumbs up for Kyle and even TBan.
Arpey
June 4th, 2012
6:52 pm
…then again, the only reason we are now required to wear motorcycle helmets is because the insurance companies were forking out a fortune in claims payments. Not all stripping of liberties is the result of a liberal campaign.
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
June 4th, 2012
6:53 pm
Michelle obozo’s giant caboose is proof that she’s been a frequent visitor to 44 Ounce Drink Land despite what she and the rest of her freakish political party preach to the rest of us.
getalife
June 4th, 2012
6:58 pm
“We insist in our position that European countries with enough space to stimulate the economy, even via fiscal stimulus (not many that can do that), should do it now,” said the official, referring mostly to Germany.
They should have done this from the start but the cons won the austerity argument.
Now look at them. Austerity does not work after a collapse stupid.
Tiberius - Banned by Bookman and proud of it!
June 4th, 2012
7:00 pm
And Arpey, the better solution would have been to charge motorcyclists a higher fee if they refused to wear one, and not pay out if caught injured by not wearing one if they claimed they did to get a lower rate.
Not make a law mandating it.
MarkV
June 4th, 2012
7:02 pm
Some of the same group of people alternate or combine stupidity with infantility.
Tiberius - Banned by Bookman and proud of it!
June 4th, 2012
7:04 pm
Getaclue, austerity wasn’t tried in Europe. Already disproven. Get with theprogram and reality.
MarkV
June 4th, 2012
7:08 pm
getalife @6:58 pm
I am sure you are by now used to people who think that saying that austerity has not been used in Europe makes it a true statement.
Rafe Hollister- trying to save the Choom Gang
June 4th, 2012
7:19 pm
Re: poking fun at Michelle, for the first time in my life I am proud of my country, Oblamer
Unsolicited advice is hard to swallow at any time. When it comes from someone, in need of the same advise, it rings quite hollow. To give unsolicited advice you need to apply a great deal of empathy, honesty, and understanding, to have any effect. Michelle has not shown any of that, just a penchant for preaching. A little do as I say, not as I do. Well, Lets Move!
Rafe Hollister- trying to save the Choom Gang
June 4th, 2012
7:23 pm
MarkV
Where has austerity been tried in Europe other than Germany? I know you think Britain has tried it, but that rings hollow as we celebrate the Diamond Jubilee.
Tiberius - Banned by Bookman and proud of it!
June 4th, 2012
7:26 pm
MaryV, Kyle proved austerity wasn’t tried in Europe using their own provided figures, but reality has never been your strong suit, has it?
Lil' Barry Bailout (Revised Downward)
June 4th, 2012
7:28 pm
“Let’s Move”
——
What the Obozo’s will be saying come January 21 next year.
davetv
June 4th, 2012
7:32 pm
Why doesn’t the wookie attempt to get PE back into school instead of telling us what to eat? Nothing like a spirited daily game of dodgeball to make you want to shed those extra lbs.
Hillbilly D
June 4th, 2012
7:43 pm
that rings hollow as we celebrate the Diamond Jubilee.
Who’da ever thunk they’d hold a celebration for somebody spending 60 years on the dole?
Tiberius - Banned by Bookman and proud of it!
June 4th, 2012
7:49 pm
Well, its their dole, Hillbilly D.
Rafe Hollister- trying to save the Choom Gang
June 4th, 2012
7:52 pm
re: poking fun at Michelle
To put it into language the Dems can understand. Image how much the left would guffaw and belly laugh, if Gov Christie was to announce that sugar packets would not be allowed on NJ restaurant tables after 1 Jun 2012. The late night shows would have jokes for weeks. But, we are not supposed to enjoy a few laughs at poor Michelle’s expense?
Rafe Hollister- trying to save the Choom Gang
June 4th, 2012
7:57 pm
davetv
Great idea! But, dontcha know that dodge ball is harmful to the little urchins self esteem, if they get whacked constantly by that mean ole ball. There was always one kid, who couldn’t get out of the way of their shadow and was usually the first to get whacked. Too competitive- Mayor Blowberg would say.
davetv
June 4th, 2012
7:58 pm
Well, we could give everyone a participation trophy to get them ready for adult life were failure is rewarded.
Rafe Hollister- trying to save the Choom Gang
June 4th, 2012
8:01 pm
LBB
Yes, 21 Jan 2012, Let’s Move—Forward!
They seemed to have dropped the Forward campaign for some reason. I think it worked even less than the attack on Bain Capital.
Rafe Hollister- trying to save the Choom Gang
June 4th, 2012
8:03 pm
2013, yep, wishful thinking on the Lets Move date.
Hillbilly D
June 4th, 2012
8:04 pm
Well, its their dole, Hillbilly D.
Yeah, I’m glad all my folks crossed the pond between 1610 and 1750. Not all of them were English but they were all rabble rousers, and still are for the most part.
Tiberius - Banned by Bookman and proud of it!
June 4th, 2012
8:11 pm
Mine escaped British rule from the ravages of the great white north, but just in the past century, Hillbilly D.
MarkV
June 4th, 2012
8:14 pm
Rafe Hollister @7:23 pm
I have written about this before, but I will at least summarize; I am quite amazed by people like you (and Kyle), who try to tell others that the people in Europe who protest the austerity measures, protest the real cuts in spending, as well as their leaders, who discuss whether the austerity they have used has been the appropriate policy to deal with the recession, who use that term (or equivalent in their languages) all the time, all those people according to you just do not know what they are talking about, and you and others like you here have to set them straight about their affairs.
Tiberius - Banned by Bookman and proud of it!
June 4th, 2012
8:18 pm
Cuts in increases are not actual cuts in spending, MaryV, so once again your austerity argument fails.
Tiberius - Banned by Bookman and proud of it!
June 4th, 2012
8:26 pm
And that’s because liberals have learned to create a language all their own that proclaims reductions in planned increases are spending cuts, and that black is white and up means down. They are so far removed from reality it is scary.
bu2
June 4th, 2012
8:49 pm
Doesn’t anyone else think this is unconsitutional? How can you tell a business what sizes it can and cannot sell?
What’s especially disturbing is that this is corrupt New York. A business would probably be afraid to challenge the rule since they could give them difficulties on getting permits.
Where’s the ban on the 4 pack of twinkies, limiting it to a 3 pack?
I’m thinking Bloomberg must have been using some of that weed he wants legalized when he tried to control what you can drink. Isn’t that weed supposed to increase your appetite?
Rafe Hollister- trying to save the Choom Gang
June 4th, 2012
8:51 pm
MarkV
You do realize that many times those people were out there protesting “proposed” cuts or as Tiberius points out “proposed reductions in future spending”. When you look at the figures that Kyle presented, obviously, many of those proposals were never enacted.
Rafe Hollister- trying to save the Choom Gang
June 4th, 2012
8:55 pm
bu2
Good point, haven’t thought of the Constitutional issue; sounds unconstitutional to me. But, if the Supremes decide that the government can make you buy insurance you do not need or want, then they can make you buy or not buy anything they choose.
Lil' Barry Bailout (Unexpectedly Revised Downward--Again)
June 4th, 2012
8:55 pm
The French, Greeks, Spanish, et al would be stupid to listen to Germany’s advice on how to properly run an economy. What’s so special about Germany? What’s that you say–they’re the leading economy in Europe with a healthy export business?
Oh, never mind.
Hillbilly D
June 4th, 2012
9:03 pm
Rafe
I’m not a lawyer but since Bloomberg is the mayor, I wouldn’t think this would be interstate commerce, so my guess is it would be a state matter. Still a bad idea, in my opinion, though.
davetv
June 4th, 2012
9:07 pm
The most telling part of this Bloomberg story is in his quote: “it’s about doing something”. That’s the problem with government- they always think they have to be doing “something” when what they really should be doing is nothing.
davetv
June 4th, 2012
9:08 pm
Soylent Green is People!!!
md
June 4th, 2012
9:33 pm
“Who’da ever thunk they’d hold a celebration for somebody spending 60 years on the dole?”
I get a good chuckle when I contemplate those 99% over there (and here actually) going gaga over the ultimate 1%…….a 1% that anointed themselves to boot.
I shake my head in amazement……..over here, we have Bernie doing the same thing and goes to the pokey for a long time.
md
June 4th, 2012
9:37 pm
You folks still on the EU austerity kick……you seem to miss the point. They spent what they didn’t have and now, in order to spend even more that they don’t have to stimulate the economy they have very high interest rates from a very skimpy group of lenders.
And that group of lenders is basically being told to bite the bullet and write off their loses on Greece…..you really think they are ready and willing to jump right back into the frying pan…..please, get a clue.
crankee-yankee
June 4th, 2012
9:38 pm
Bloomberg is a left wing-nut, no doubt. I do not agree with his methods nor ideas when it comes to controlling calorie intake. However, I find it humorous that the local control advocates are all riled up over a locality (admittedly, a large locality, almost as large population-wise as the entire state of GA) making a decision that affects only that locality. So how does that work? Local control only for those that think like you?
MarkV
June 4th, 2012
9:42 pm
Rafe Hollister @8:51 pm
“When you look at the figures that Kyle presented, obviously, many of those proposals were never enacted.”
Some proposals were never enacted, many others were. Kyle cherry picked numbers, some of them false.
Ackmed
June 4th, 2012
9:48 pm
Greetings infidels!
So I’m minding my own business during a lull in the fighting in thee Paakistanee, when I found out my New York City job application has been accepted! I don’t even remember filling one out. But anyway, they want me to be a Carbonated and Sugary Drink Size Compliance Officer, whatever that is. Of course I have to join City Inspectors Union Local Number 12,345,439 with my dues going directly to some DNC organization I never heard of. But the pay is good, I start at $265,000 a year, with guaranteed lifetime pension after 90 days, “free” health care and 7 months of vacation. No more butchering apostates for me!
Aahhh, my first day on the job. Look! Over there by that limousine, surrounded by all those guys in black suits! A big fat chick with thighs like thee well fed elephant! And she’s clutching a 2 liter bottle of Mr. Pibb! Gross!
You over there, cease and desist!
Woman- What are you talking about, Osama? Do you know who I am?
No, fatso, I don’t know who you are nor do I care. Drop the soft drink and slowly back away.
Woman- I’m Hillary Clinton, you two bit camel jockey!
Oh, I am so overjoyed, I finally get to meet blessed Sheik Bruno! I’m so sorry, I didn’t recognize you, Iman Hillary, peace be upon you!
Woman- Whatever, bin Laden. Beat it.
Allah Akbar!
mmm, mmmm, mmmmm!
md
June 4th, 2012
9:48 pm
What the EU countries really really want, is for their neighbor to go to work and pay more taxes…….just like here, vote your neighbor to go to work, except everyone knows they mean Germany. And the Germans don’t much like it because they implemented their austerity measures while the others were still partying…….
MarkV
June 4th, 2012
9:49 pm
Rafe Hollister @8:51 pm
The argument about proposed reductions in future spending also is ridiculous. When the population is growing, naturally the spending budget for a particular item increases. A reduction in a proposed spending increase is a real cut in spending per capita.
Dusty
June 4th, 2012
9:54 pm
Mayor Bloomberg, huh? I don’t care what he does in NYC. They must have bigger problems than soft drinks. I hope the state has a constitution so he won’t get out of line. Maybe he should take up knitting. Keep everybody warm in the winter.
As to European austerity, I was under the impression that Germany has been the only one to truly bring in successful austere measures. France and Greece kicked out leaders who tried for cut backs. Their new presidents are not in favor of austerity as a measure to save their economies.
As to Michelle Obama, never one of my favorites by any means.. But making her anatomy a subject of bad jokes is …well,,, gauche! Rude, crude, etc… Let us not drop into the genre that Democrats used so much in their Anti-Bush defamation. Conservatives are better than that.
And now for a fine drink of…….buttermilk! So good! And not a single cow drank a big cola or got a subsidy! Independents all. I’m moo….ving along.. and my bones are strong!!
MarkV
June 4th, 2012
11:04 pm
Dusty @9:54 pm
“As to European austerity, I was under the impression that Germany has been the only one to truly bring in successful austere measures.”
Dusty,
Impressions are interesting, but hardly prove anything. However, when you write about “successful austere measures,” you actually hit the nail on the head. The austerity measures have indeed been tried in Europe, unsuccessfully. As for those like Kyle, who simply deny that there have been austerity measures in Europe, should people believe him, or someone like the Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz who said Europe was in a dire situation as a focus on austerity pushed the continent toward suicide?
wfclyon
June 4th, 2012
11:11 pm
Scrappy,
FYI: Boomberg started off as a Democrat then became a Republican and now is an Indendent.
Cactus
June 4th, 2012
11:17 pm
You can always count on Republican mouthpieces to have a firm grasp of the small picture.
Shark Punch!
June 5th, 2012
12:52 am
May have been mentioned in the comments above, but the obvious reason for the “dairy-based” loophole is so NYers can still order a Triple Grande SuperFat Iced Caramel Mocha, because that’s somehow different from evil carbonated sugary beverages.
Oblama
June 5th, 2012
2:02 am
A New York City Repub isn’t a real conservative or he wouldn’t have gotten elected in NYC. This idea is ridiculous when you can buy meth, croak and crack openly in NYC. What a waste of tax dollars trying to enforce this crap.
Oblama
June 5th, 2012
2:03 am
hy don’t they just outlaw McDonalds and Burger King.
Evelyn
June 5th, 2012
4:05 am
Mrs. 0bama is a disgusting & self-righteous individual who dresses poorly and should be digging ditches for a living instead of trying to control the lives (& diets) of others.
Shawn
June 5th, 2012
4:09 am
Just what we need, another billionaire trying to tell the little people what to do. How about you take the money you make exploiting the little people and give it back to them for good use. Mind your own business. Just because you have money Bloomberg, it doesn’t give you a right to be a tyrant. What’s next?
Shawn
June 5th, 2012
4:10 am
It’s starts with sodas and then moves to something more sinister.
Shawn
June 5th, 2012
4:10 am
It’s = it.
dabir dalton
June 5th, 2012
5:48 am
Kyle this calling the kettle black considering that conservatives have used the drug war to attack and limit our individuals rights.
@@
June 5th, 2012
6:08 am
Since NY was rated “best dressed” by Travel & Leisure Magazine, maybe they should prohibit selling apparel that exceeds Small to Medium.
If the clothes don’t fit, you must commit
or go nekkid.
ew
Samantha
June 5th, 2012
7:04 am
In 2008 it became apparent that the developed world was overleveraged,,,we borrowed too much money. the past four years have been a time of signficant de-leveraging as households and businesses shed debt and restored some kind of fiscal sanity. Government is the sector who has not gotten its house in order. Debt has piled upon debt and is choking our economy and our budgets. If by austerity, we mean cutting spending, then yes…it’s the only way out and the sooner the better. The alternatives, massive tax increases or continuing the party are the sure way to destruction. One quickly and the other more slowly.
Only the progressives could convince themselves that the Greeks were really the fiscally responsible ones and that the germans were crazy.
Really?
June 5th, 2012
7:34 am
I’m an obesity researcher here in Georgia. Look around a bit. Look at the kids who will be on insulin all their lives (unless they have the drastic gastric by pass surgery). We are killing ourselves and our budget. Estimated costs for obesity related health problems is 190 billion a year in the US and rising. It’s a prime factor in the rising cost of health care. Sure should people just stop doing it on their own. Sure they should. Should people have realized that not wearing seat belts and helmets on motorcycles was deadly (actually deadly would have been fine, it’s the prolonged life in a comma etc that costs everyone). Sure. But they don’t and to top it off we have corn subsidies that feed (literally) the epidemic. The same areas of the brain that are turned on by drugs and alcohol are turned on by sugar. It’s an addiction and we are a nation of addicts of all kinds including high fructose corn syrup that makes up the sugary part of these drinks.
MarkV
June 5th, 2012
8:01 am
Samantha @7:04 am
“In 2008 it became apparent that the developed world was overleveraged,,,we borrowed too much money.”
False.
Lil' Barry Bailout (Revised Downward)
June 5th, 2012
8:15 am
Samantha: Only the progressives could convince themselves that the Greeks were really the fiscally responsible ones and that the germans were crazy.
——–
…and that Obozo is the thriftiest since Eisenhower. Let’s just call the “progressives” what they are–economic retards.
md
June 5th, 2012
8:52 am
“The austerity measures have indeed been tried in Europe, unsuccessfully. ”
Actually Mark…..Dusty is correct. You may want to google German austerity measures to educate yourself. The Germans were the ones to successfully implement austerity measures while the others threw money at the problem, and now the others want the Germans to bail them out. Google is your friend……don’t make me post it for you.
iggy
June 5th, 2012
9:25 am
Seems the more our food stamp program increase the more obese the “poor” become. Coincidence? I think not.
MarkV
June 5th, 2012
9:31 am
md @8:52 am: “Actually Mark…..Dusty is correct.:’
Didn’t I agree that Dusty was correct? Austerity was tried all over the EU – and failed.
Kyle Wingfield
June 5th, 2012
9:43 am
MarkV: The funny thing about Stiglitz and Krugman, the two leading proponents of the “suicide by austerity” theory, is that they never produce any data to back up their claims. Krugman in particular derisively dismisses anyone who produces data to the contrary, without offering any different data.
So, you stick to your appeals to Swedish-granted credentials. I’ll stick to the data.
Rafe Hollister- trying to save the Choom Gang
June 5th, 2012
10:01 am
MarkV
Seems you are all alone in your austerity poison theory. I remember when Oblama ran off to Europe, shortly after being inaugurated, to sell his stimulus ideas to the uninformed. I also remember that Merkel looked him in the eye and said Germany will choose austerity. Seems she made the right choice.
As someone else pointed out, if they want to try more stimulus, who in their right mind would loan the rest of Europe more money, other than maybe the Oblamer regime.
md
June 5th, 2012
10:07 am
“Didn’t I agree that Dusty was correct? Austerity was tried all over the EU – and failed.”
And you continue to avoid the fact that germany did it and is now the healthiest economy over there….how convienient.
And just to play devil’s advocate, where would you suggest these other countries get the money they now want to spend considering they already spent what they had and didn’t have??
Dusty
June 5th, 2012
10:07 am
Well, I see that we are one big happy family here this morning. Kinda!!
But these distresing items were bright forward. SHUT DOWN BURGER KING! PLease! Let no such tragedy happen. We need those gourmet centers. They have delightful low calorie salads and I would order them if I could stop eating Whopper Juniors, those delightful wee hamburgers of joy and delight.
Then @@ gave us this regretful thought. All the big fatties (who can’t buy big clothes) will be running around “nekkid”!!! Can you beat that? Now I’ve got nothing against fatties, but I don’t care one bit to see their bare bulges. No no!
Maybe Kyle will come up with some great thoughts this morning. I could use some. “The day was cold and dark and dreary! The wind does blow and is never weary.” No wind today but kinda dreary. Maybe I need some more buttermilk (or a Whopper Jr.). ..
MarkV
June 5th, 2012
10:20 am
md @10:07 am
“And you continue to avoid the fact that germany did it and is now the healthiest economy over there….how convienient.”
And you conveniently ignore the fact that the growth of the economy in one country does not prove that spending cuts result in growth, when the experience in other countries shows otherwise.
Tiberius - Banned from Bookman's and proud of it!
June 5th, 2012
10:21 am
“Austerity was tried all over the EU – and failed.”
And yet, MaryV, they did not.
Nor did Kyle cherry-pick his data.
You just can’t handle reality.
Lil' Barry Bailout (Revised Downward)
June 5th, 2012
10:23 am
Spain is now warning that it is losing access to capital markets due to steep risk premiums demanded by lenders.
Means they borrowed too much money, for MaryK and others who think government spending is “growth”.
bluecoat
June 5th, 2012
10:25 am
Michelle appears to be a hunk of health.Ellen challenged her doing push ups.No contest.And for you jealous,live to her standards,could improve your health,and looks.
md
June 5th, 2012
10:55 am
“And you conveniently ignore the fact that the growth of the economy in one country does not prove that spending cuts result in growth, when the experience in other countries shows otherwise.”
I’m merely looking at the basic facts of the matter……Germany, implemented austerity measures and came out the other side in pretty good shape. Other EU countries tried to implement some austerity measures but the infighting for the most part stagnated it. And then other EU countries like Greece are basically out of options……austerity is their ONLY course of action unless someone is foolish enough to lend them more money.
Dusty
June 5th, 2012
10:57 am
I hope I did not kill the comments here. In the meantime, I wondered why we differ so on “austerity in Europe”.
The definitions I found fo ‘austerity” were: (1) stern, strict or harsh (2) bare or unadorned (3) indicating self-denial or lack of comfort
IN one sense, maybe some private citizens of many European countries were trying to cut back by choice or necessity. Thus you might say there were moves to austerity. Or leaders planned austere measure but were overuled by voters who threw them and their politics away (France & Greece). Plans alone are not actions.
On a national level, other than Germany, it is hard to see that austerity was practiced in government to any great extent or accepted by the citizens.
These questions and answers seem so clear cut that I wonder why there is a difference. Can we say USA is practicing austerity when it continues to increase its debt? Can other countries be “austere” when they reject the measures to be so?
I am trying to see how we can have such different views of one situation..
Libralee
June 5th, 2012
11:11 am
I don’t understand what is wrong with people! The government should NOT be involved in “anything” we choose to eat that may not be good for us……………..What the he– ever happend to parents????????? Or personal responsibility?
Removing items of food from shelves and restaurants should be the LEAST of government problems…………… How about creating jobs and getting military home!
Absolutely sick, sick, sick for any form of gov’t to worry about what people drink or eat!
bu2
June 5th, 2012
8:51 pm
@davetv
That’s the difference between Democrats and Republicans. Democrats see something bad and think you have to “do something.” Republicans think you should only do things that make sense.
bu2
June 5th, 2012
8:59 pm
@Really?
If you were over 40, you should remember that diets are much healthier now than they were back when you were younger and we didn’t have an obesity crisis. If you are younger, you need to get some perspective in how things have changed.
Kids don’t exercise. You can handle plenty of calories if you exercise. If you sit in front of a TV or video game all day (or computer screen)….
md
June 5th, 2012
9:57 pm
In the olden days out on the farm, the diet consisted of beef, chicken, eggs and biscuits…..with lots of homemade butter and usually cooked in lard……and many of those folks lived very long lives.
Why?……..Because they “worked” the farm…………no sitting on their butts all day on the computer.
skip
June 5th, 2012
11:11 pm
will I get arrested if I bring a large slurpee into the city??
Kristi
June 11th, 2012
11:31 am
At first I thought this sounded silly but for someone like me that hates to waste, its not so crazy. When I go to a drive-thru or movie theater, etc. and I order a drink and it ends up being 3 times the size I probably needed, I end up drinking it because I don’t want to waste it. Having the largest size available smaller, will help those that want help. If you want another, go for it but I don’t think it’s that bad of an idea. Also, fast food places and whatnot con you into a large size by saying that all drinks are the same price no matter the size or they only have a 10 cent difference in sizes, so the money saving mind goes larger because they get more for their money, whether they want or need it or not.