The Issue: Mayor Bloomberg’s ban on sodas and other sugar-filled beverages larger than 16 ounces.
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The Board of Health voted 8-0 with one abstention to ban sugared drinks larger than 16 ounces (“Hizzoner Pops Off After Victory on Soda Ban,” Sept. 14).
How is democracy working in New York City? These people were not elected by us but appointed by Mayor Bloomberg. Where are our elected officials, such as our city council members, who should protect us?
This was a completely unilateral decision and is government intrusion at its worst. All of us should write to our council members and representatives to show our anger against this overstep into our freedom. John Ferris
Astoria
Bloomberg is quoted as saying, “I just spent $600 million of my own money to try to stop the scourge of tobacco, and I’m looking for another cause.”
Maybe that next cause should be to fight for Americans’ eroding freedoms. It’s truly sad to think how many out-of-work New Yorkers could have been helped with that $600 million.
If only that was a cause the mayor felt worthy of his money. Gary Cella
Cos Cob, Conn.
I would like to applaud the Board of Health’s voting to ban sugary drinks larger than 16 ounces.
We are rapidly becoming a nation of fat, unfit and unhealthy people. Our mayor’s call for action is a good thing. Bloomberg cares for us enough to change that, and for that I give kudos to Mike. F. Bedell Jr.
Glen Oaks Village
Welcome to yet another example of slippery, slurpy slope incrementalism.
Someone needs to bring a court case, and quickly. What will the overlord next decide is in our best interest? Could he mandate mini-bagels? Maybe NYC should only have millionaires. Billionaires are too big.Bert Gay
Manchester, Conn.
Bloomberg has had his way and now another choice has been made for every New Yorker. When are we going to find a politician who will right this wrong?
Beverage companies spend millions on signs and cooler-door stickers. Why not require warning signs of possible health effects, like the surgeon general’s warning on cigarettes?
The city goes to great lengths to keep the likes of Walmart out in order to keep small businesses alive, yet the mayor is given a rubber stamp to affect their incomes.
Let’s get this ridiculous ban amended.
Richard Fountaine
Staten Island