Bloomberg, Soda, and the Nanny State

The "nanny state." Some have referred to this as the "wussification" of America: the idea the the government needs to be there at every twist and turn to protect you from yourself. Falling down and scraping your knee, you see, is the ultimate trauma and the government must ignore whatever liberty necessary to make sure you don't get a boo-boo.

Daddy—I mean Mayor Bloomberg has set his sights on yet another pointy corner that is the nursery we call New York City. Bloomberg is banning all sugary drinks over 16oz. Why? Because you might get fat and we're too dumb to know that. We're also too dumb, apparently, to figure out how to buy two drinks at the same time.

This coming after Bloomberg's salt and smoking bans.

Of course, you say, salt and smoking are bad for you. And so are big, sugary drinks!

And you're right. But it's none of your business. The only time the government gets to get involved with what I put in my body is when it's a substance that can make me a potential threat to those around me (think Causeway Cannibal).

Bloomberg may very well believe that he is acting benevolently: "assisting," as it were, in our decisions. But in truth, he is foisting his will upon the people of New York City. I have to wonder how much more liberty New Yorkers are willing to loose.

To quote Ben Franklin,

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety" 

And for every new cupboard requiring a plastic lock (they don't know any better than to drink the stuff under the sink), the people of New York City loose more liberty and more of who they are: independent people who know how to take care of themselves. It's just their tyrannical mayor who doesn't believe that.

The ball is in your court, people of New York. What are you going to do?

UPDATE: May 31, 2012 14:41CDT
Real Clear Politics: Bloomberg on Soda Ban: "We're Simply Forcing You to Understand."
I rest my case.

UPDATE 2: May 31, 2012 20:20CDT
Politicker: Bloomberg to Support 'National Donut Day' Tomorrow
For pity's sake.


UPDATE 3: June 4, 2012 19:57CDT
New York Times: Bloomberg Backs Plan to Limit Arrests for Marijuana
It all makes sense now.