Unintended consequences of government regulation?
It will soon be illegal for New York City residents to buy a Big Gulp, Slurpee, or any sugar-sweetened drink in a cup larger than 16-ounces as The Inquisitr has previously reported.
But Mayor Bloomberg’s ban on large sugary drinks passed by the city’s Board of Health gives free reign to the the artificial sweetener aspartame. The self-named “health ranger” Mike Adams insists on the NaturalNews website that, if the city was really concerned about wellness, it would hardly be encouraging consumers to drink more aspartame and that it is “sad” that government bureaucrats think diet soda is a healthier alternative to regular soda:
“The really hilarious part of the law? It does not apply to aspartame-laced ‘diet sodas’ which, by any honest measure, are far more toxic to your health than regular sodas made with HFCS.”
“HFCS may cause diabetes and obesity, but aspartame causes neurological damage and early-onset Alzheimer’s. But that’s just what New York needs, it seems: A wave of crabby soda-drinking senior citizens who are half blind and can’t remember where their apartment building is located. (Or has that already happened?)”
Adams adds that the new ordinance will just create “a black market in high-capacity… contraband sodas,” which is the usual result of prohibition.
While supporting the company’s free speech rights, Mike Adams previously warned about toxic chemicals in Chick-fil-A food.
We can probably all agree that, given the obesity epidemic, drinking sugary beverages is not a health-conscious thing to do, but shouldn’t it be left to the individual to decide rather than via government intervention?
Do you drink diet soda, and, if so, are you concerned about aspartame?
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Wont drink diet due to aspartame.
This sickens me. If I were a soldier, a sailor, a marine or a fly guy coming home from our present war and I flew in to to New York city if I went to a McDonalds and I could not order two big Macs and a large large soda I think I would be a little angry. I think I might display some of my anger. This is a small thing but what's next "Soylent Green"? I will never be convinced that man made chemicals or anything genetically altered in a laboratory and is introduced into our food chain is a good thing. Butter will in my mind always be better than margarine. Cane sugar will always be better than processed white sugar. Show me how is it possible that aspartame can possibly be better than what stupid people have allowed thier government to remove from them. Their freedom to choose.
Just another good reason not to go to New York.
leave the peoples sodas alone ,, there's enough choises for all with out u taken away our drinks…the other crap is nasty.
I don't think its right at all its their body if people want soda than they can drink it! It doesn't hurt anyone except the person drinking it! I love cola especialy when I want a good caffine kick! I think they are just trying to take peoples freedom little by little and I find that very unfair. The goverment is going too far on many things lately!
I think we should have what we want to drink or eat. ITS OUR HEALTH OUR MONEY. SO IF WE GET FAT ITS OUR LIFE AND OUR MONEY TO FIX IT NOT YOURS. I JUST WISH YUALL STOP TELL US WHAT WE CAN DO OR CAN'T DO. WE WILL DO WHAT WE WANT TO DO IT SAY AMERCIA IS FREE SO LEAVE US ALONE.
we are subtley being forced into a socialist country.
we are subtley being forced into a socialist country.
Ridiculous! Where will it end?
This is the United States!
Ridiculous! Where will it end?
This is the United States!
I think if you were fresh back from Afghanistan and you attempted to eat two Big Macs and an extra large soda, you'd spend the next 36 hours on the toilet!
I think if you were fresh back from Afghanistan and you attempted to eat two Big Macs and an extra large soda, you'd spend the next 36 hours on the toilet!
that is the nastiest place i ever been.
that is the nastiest place i ever been.
How much more of government and city are going to take away our rights and tell us what to do???
Aspartame is made from an amino acid a scientist noticed when he was messing with the stuff that it was sweet so now they use it in sodas etc. I know a few people that used to drink it that have health problems from it now. I guess it is best to read about the effects of aspartic acid and be your own judge.
Communism on it's way!! What's next?? Redonkulous!!!!
tabacco products cause cancer and they won't ban that, but they'll ban soda over 16oz due to potential obesity? Really?
I have a diabetic who is 13 and I can honestly say that aspartame laced drinks are totally unhealthy. We don't let him drink a lot of them because of the health risks available. Furthermore, studies have indicated that aspartame laced drinks and artificial sweeterners MAKE YOU CRAVE sweets more because they are SO sweet that they themselves become an addiction. Furthermore, more studies cite that a person who is drinking artifical sweeterners may not be able to lose weight as it stimulates the hypothalamus WHICH ACTUALLY PREVENTS weight loss. Ask people who are trying to lose weight if they were more successful without chemically induced sweeteners.
Is this just a push to put some of the soda manufacturers out of business? Since when did the government get the approval to say what we can and cannot eat or drink? Obesity I not from drinking too much soda, it's from eating too much and lack of activity Makes no freaking sense, they can't permanently ban cigarettes but can ban the sale of soda. WTF. What next.
I have a diabetic who is 13 and I can honestly say that aspartame laced drinks are totally unhealthy. We don't let him drink a lot of them because of the health risks available. Furthermore, studies have indicated that aspartame laced drinks and artificial sweeterners MAKE YOU CRAVE sweets more because they are SO sweet that they themselves become an addiction. Furthermore, more studies cite that a person who is drinking artifical sweeterners may not be able to lose weight as it stimulates the hypothalamus WHICH ACTUALLY PREVENTS weight loss. Ask people who are trying to lose weight if they were more successful without chemically induced sweeteners.
Is this just a push to put some of the soda manufacturers out of business? Since when did the government get the approval to say what we can and cannot eat or drink? Obesity I not from drinking too much soda, it's from eating too much and lack of activity Makes no freaking sense, they can't permanently ban cigarettes but can ban the sale of soda. WTF. What next.
Then what? Sugar, pasta, fried foods, red meat…..It is our right to drink and eat what we.choose.
Technically it would be Totalitarianism, and Bloomberg is made of the same stuff Dictators are.
So what regular soda becomes the next "black market item"? It's ridiculous. They can't ban cigarettes (and yes I AM a smoker), but they can ban a certain type of drink? These government officials should research these things before making ridiculous rulings. They can't ban alcohol either. I am not a big soda drinker either I am IRATE about the unconstitutionality of this ridiculous proposal.
and the fact that they would replace a natural ingredient with chemicals and call it a healthier choice.
Sugar is one of the worst foods out there it rots your teeth, it contributes to diabeties, and to many people are obese and if there is a problem, with obesity I say no. They always have the option to purchase and have it at home, if they choose…
25 grams of sugar in one single can..that is horrible.
when it come to the health of your children I would think any parents wants the best for there children not the worst…
How so? Please explain?
I think more it has to do with an idiot who is the mayor of NYC thinking he knows best for all.
Will it make a difference people will do what they want…anyway, I don't want to live in a society that controls anything we do when it comes to our constitunal rights, but I do want children and people to live healthy lives.
Aspartame causes cancer and lupus thia is so wrong
Flouride in not healthy either and it's in so much drinking water read up on that one, and they get away with that, we don't have a say in that.
Next they will ban Upsizing your fast food meal and ban having two hamburger Patties in the big mac!
Next they will ban Upsizing your fast food meal and ban having two hamburger Patties in the big mac!
I can't believe they are wasting time even discussing these issues when there is much need attention ealse where
I can't believe they are wasting time even discussing these issues when there is much need attention ealse where
I'm sure NYC has more important things to worry about than what everyone is drinking. We should be able to drink whatever we please, government should take care of government not our personal choices!!!!!
This is just ridiculous. If they did that in my city, I would be protesting all over town. Now they are going to tell us what to it? That is insane!
This is one of the most ridiculous things I have heard. First of all, do we not live in a freeeeee society? Aside from that, when you normally buy a soda, you get the cup. Then you fill it yourself! Are there going to be officers standing in the stores to make sure you are filling your cup with aspartame and not sugar? And then what? Do you issue a "ticket" to the violators? Ridiculous.
People will just go for refills.
They have the "option" to have it at home???? Really??? We should have the "option" to have it where ever we like!!
What "you" want is a "choice" for YOU. We can all make our OWN choices, thank you.
Is New York City still part of America? What gives anyone the wright to force their ideas on an entire city? IS N.Y.C. STILL PART OF AMERICA?
It shouldn't strike anyone as unbelievable. The government has been making decisions for us that are not good for the public on a whole since it's (GOV) creation. The FDA is one of the worst offenders. They okay products/food that causes disease and deem them "safe" while the stuff we really need sits on the bottom shelf or is rejected altogether (or it costs to much for the average american to consume daily). It's not going to stop people from getting fat or unhealthy because soda is just a tiny piece of an unhealthy diet. One by one our "GOD GIVEN RIGHTS" are being take away right in our faces. We let a small wealthy few decide in a room, only for the rich officials, to make our choices for us? This doesn't speak for the whole! We can think for ourselves right? NOT REALLY.
I am just playing devil's advocate here… I am taking healthcare management class, and we're studying HOW we can save $ in healthcare in USA. One reason is prevention. It is way cheaper to prevent a disease than to treat it. With that being said, would you "restrict" something to prevent something costly? Uninsured people go to ER for heart attacks, diabetic issues, etc and can't pay for it.. Costing tax payers millions $.. When it could be easily prevented by not serving a $2.00 coke.. Now, I'm NOT saying I agree about this new law, but there is probably some sense why it passed in the congress.
Stop complaining fatties. If you want your cola it just means you now have to get out of the car and walk into the supermarket to get it. Exercise = Good.
Stop complaining fatties. If you want your cola it just means you now have to get out of the car and walk into the supermarket to get it. Exercise = Good.
One more step towards communism…. the government telling people what they can drink or eat is treading on dangerous ground.
One more step towards communism…. the government telling people what they can drink or eat is treading on dangerous ground.
yep, exactly
but people can go to the store and buy it in bulk so if they want it they will get it.
I believe in "Freedom of Choice" if somebody wants to have a sugary drink then it's their choice. I don't think sugary drinks or diet drinks are healthy but that is what some people enjoy. If you start to take away soda what other enjoyments will the government ban. Then if the governement is so concerned with the well being of our citizens then all fast food restaurants should be banned. Fast food is extremely unhealthy. But getting back to the soda situation if they take it from everyone then think of the other drinks out there that will follow. No drink out there is healthy except water. Is this an extension of Obama Care? Does the government really want their citizens to be healthy. If the government is so concerned about the well being of the citizens then stop giving money to other countries and lets take care of our own.
This is just another attempt at regulating our rights to choose and just the beginning of a total loss of our own choices if we allow it.
Like anything else, there are loop holes. Lol
we know there is a problem but we don't know how to fix it…
Odd that you mentioned Soylent Green. Most people have never heard of it, I think it should be re-released. Then people will have a clue about what is going down today. Aspartame is 100% worse than sugar. These politicians don't know that, but they are paid to do the bidding of the Bilderbergs.
Scott Prelwitz : He is a Bilderberger. Just look it up. He doesn't know what harm Aspartame does, and his power has gone to his head. Oh, he is an idiot, too.
They start out small, like this. Then watch out! And we are being forced to enter Socialism. Most Americans cannot see it, they are too many generations away from the scares of the past. We are being placed into a position of either accepting some ridiculous law, like the Aspartame vs. Sugar, and then once that is accepted, more come, each one more serious than the last one. I hope I am wrong but I don't think I am. Big Brother is here and he is watching us.
They are full of it, Nateira. They no more care about our so-called obesity than they care about our welfare. Didn't they know people will buy 2 cans instead of 1? They are on the take, of course.
Next thing you know, they will be taking food away from us. God bless the people of NYC and in general because this is a start of something really bad.
Crystal Saunier, it isn't right for the government to regulate what we imbibe! Unless it has been proven to kill us then and there. We should be rioting in the streets by now due to our Constitutional Rights being eroded! Aspartame is so harmful. Why didn't super mayor Bloomberg know about this?
So if they ban soda over 16oz….What about 2 liters…..well I guess if you can't get a big gulp then buy two 16oz drinks…
No.. they are always changing what they think is right for us.. what happen to our freedom to make our own choice… Is my life and my body… Its not going to stop people from getting big.. until they ban candy bars, fast food, even the kids punch you buy in the stores are full of sugar.. They are slowly rewriting the constitution… And the bill of rights.
High Fructose Corn Syrup – is what you're drinking and eating when you have regular soda and a Big Mac. That's not real sugar either, FYI. Fits right in with those "man made chemicals or anything genetically altered in a laboratory" that you think are so bad…
To Cheryl I see what you are saying and I get that but I still don't think its right to take peoples choices away simply because it might cost! This is supposed to be a free country but to be honest how free are we really??? And to Suzanne I know that aspertame is harmful and maybe people should be worried about telling these soda companies that they need to find something safer for their consumers. I am pretty sure if these companies actually took the time find something better they would find it!
That's real nice considering I am allergic to aspartame. It is a chemical and poison.
you only get real sugar in Mexican soda. American soda is nothing but high fructose corn syrup…
I agree! If they are going to ban something it should be tabacco not soda! Soda only hurts the consumer while a cigarette puts off second hand unfiltered smoke!!! I won't get cancer by simply being around a person drinking a soda but could develope cancer by being around second hand smoke which is honestly said to be more harmful than actualy smoking!
Dear ole Jay….FATTIES?? this article is not pointing out overweight problems as mostly carbohydrates are the culprit. It is pointing at all shapes of body that these chemicals in our soda are not good for us who drink soda…..especially diet drinks with this aspartame. I didn't know about that till just now….be nice and recognize what the article is about.
I think NYC is a state.
The law only applies to drinks served in to go cups, like from restaurants, street vendors, movie theaters, etc. It does not include grocery stores or bottled pop like 2 liters. Another example of Democrats hurting small businesses in the name of public good without making any real difference in behavior.
Which is exactly why we need to get the communist out of the white house in November! it's a start at least
i am not defending the law, just simply saying that it does effects everyone. The government didnt say you cant have your soda, just not enough to cause harm. Kinda like saying, why enforce having a driver's license to drive when it's your car…
ps.. the subject of being free in this country? that's another topic! hahaha
Really? Cigarettes cause cancer? I smoked for 10 years and I don't have cancer. The Sun causes skin cancer, they should ban the sun. Soda causes obesity,l if cigarettes cause cancer
amen to that baby girl couldnt have said it any better then that
Its not right then and there but yes it is proven that they cause cance just like the sun its not right then and there but it does eventually cause skin cancer and if the goverment could they would ban that too the whole point is they are trying to take our freedom little by little thinking we won't notice it as long as they start off slow!
@Suzanne Galjour …. I thought I stated that he was an idiot. I already know that. My question was to explain how this ban equates our country with a socialist one?
what is happening to the people of america?? it is a ahame that when someone is voted in, they turn out the wrong way. NY. don't let this happen or our government will be telling us wher, when and why we can go somewhere ect.
Suzanne Galjour – I just googled Bilderberger. Says it a secret society that has picked Mitt Romney to win the presidency? What is your point exactly?
Soda has caramel color that has carcinogen in it. So no matter what, soda is bad. Aspartame, Splenda, sugar,…… Its all BAD. Their are healthy sodas at health food stores. If the government is more worried about people and their children's health it's a slap in the face on the parenting and themselves. The second part that is annoying about this "soda" issue is that it's not just soda. All the crap the FDA lets fast food restaurants get away with is incredibly disturbing to me. If they want to reduce the amount of fat people then educate them in schools. Even as early as elementary. I can go on and on and on…… But i just can't start my day off stuck on stupid. Lol
Stay out of my personal choices. People will only buy two medium instead of one large, and it will make the store more money. People are not going to get rid of their big cups simply because you ban the large drinks. The stores probably love it!
Aaron told me about this, I couldn't believe it!! Crazy…
This country is suppose to be free as long as your responsible. Why do politicians get to make rules and laws about my persoal business. Just like seat belts. It's my life, my body and if I don't want to wear my seat belt or if I want to dring 500 sodas in one day I WILL.
I think she thinks that "Bilderberger" is a family name. Its not.
I don't need McDonalds for a big drink. I can get me a large glass at the store & a 2 liter & have a field day. The government needs to leave us alone. People can research what's good and bad for them. If people want to stay big it's their business. it's beginning to turn into a communist country where our actions are being controlled. I am sick of it.
Totally unconstitutional…let us decide how we want to live our lives….too many regulations on our private days! Stay out government!
you must have received a ticket for not wearing your seatbelt. But isn't it annoying when the person riding with refused to wear a seatbelt and the ding, ding, ding, keeps going off and they just ignore it?
Because we would have to do what that mayor wants!! He wants to control what people eat, drink. Socialist
No is not. Aguantese. Lol
I think you need to look up the definition of "socialism." It doesn't sound like you're using the word correctly.
Kelly Rebholz – I think you mean "dictatorship"…
Who says someone can't buy a two liter and drink that? Sometimes its cheaper to buy a 2 liter than to buy a 20oz bottle of soda. At any rate, I agree with some of the people on here about cigs and soda. But who the heck is going to enforce it? Its suppose to be illegal to smoke inpublic at all in the state of Georgia, but I never see anyone ever enforce it.
This has to be the most absurd, inappropriate, abuse and misuse of a government trying to impose a ridiculous rule. So, first thing I thought was , "so they can't buy large, sugar sodas, why not buy 2 medium ones?" For crying out loud. Kinda like they give out condoms and rule you can't have sex without wearing one. Yeah, right, like that's going to fly! I live in a democracy, not a hierarchy or monarchy. I'm not sure what kind of archy New York is experiencing. Seems like the guy who is trying to get this passed is power hungry.
I agree this is all BS!!!
Suzanne Galjour Please explain how banning soda leads to socialism? I dont get it? I never heard any despot through out history be accused of starting socialism/facsism/communism by banning soda pop.
I could see if the government was banning guns, or trying to take away our constitutional rights such as the 4th ammendment, then I would be bitching. But to make this claim is absurd. You can break this ban any time you want. In fact, Im going to NYC with a 22oz cup and test it out. Try it, its called dissent.
Callese que le quito sus Duvalines. Jajaja
ban the sun…that's awesome.
lol nah I like a little sunshine every once in a while!
Yeah me neither I know at one hospital there are No Smoking signs but people will sit right there and smoke and the security folks will see them but not say anything. So you really have to wonder how they plan to enforce a soda ban!
I'm Allergic to Aspartame, It makes me sick from stomach aches to migranes and it doesn't take much. There are other places like Cleveland clinic Hospital who have replaced all their soda with diet only. It doesn't make sense to me.
It is just another way the Government tells us what we can and cant do. Like we are too stupid to think on our own and they have to tell us everything like all Americans are 2yrs old and they are the moms.
I try not to drink it – I think it s bad news!
You are the person who would take my right to write the words I am writing. I have something called knowledge. When knowledge is used correctly it becomes wisdom. A wise person would choose not to eat at McDonalds. I choose not to eat at McDonalds. As for a soda I could not tell you when is the last time I drank a soda. When I do choose to drink a soda I promise you I want the "Real Thing". If I were a soldier coming home from Afghanistan and I wanted to be on the toilet for the next 36 hours that would be my choice not yours. I would be the one who would reap not you. It would also be something I would think about and more than likely choose not to do again. Prohibition has never worked. It never will. If you were to take my choice from me and were to tell me I could only drink coffee with no sugar then you have made the wrong choice. I am the very person who will show you I can have sugar with my coffee. You know why? Cuz I can. Give me accurate knowledge and I will make the right choice. Peace Out.
Suzanne Galjour I also thought this movie would be a good movie to release again. At the end when Charlton Heston figured everything out did they ever go on to show the rest of world? I can't remember. If not why not? It would be a great sequel. Who would be the hero?
Not everyone gets cancer from smoking, but a lot of them do later in life, lung cancer.
so people will buy two smaller ones that equal to a big one, cant stop anyone there. new york has had enough of bloomberg.
Is this true? Is this really happening? This is nuts and sort of like dictatorship? Nobody has that kind of control and they should not. The people of NYC should not allow this. This sort of thing opens doors to more of the same and before you know it, you will be living in socialist society.
Is this true? Is this really happening? This is nuts and sort of like dictatorship? Nobody has that kind of control and they should not. The people of NYC should not allow this. This sort of thing opens doors to more of the same and before you know it, you will be living in socialist society.
The government really needs to focus on actual problems! And stop trying to micromanage everyone's health!!! It's nobody else's decision what you want to put in or on your body!!!
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jimpowell/2012/04/29/obamas-plan-to-seize-control-of-our-economy-and-our-lives/
what pop cigs? , what next? they all ready control our money.its time for all those people that has never voted before, ( go vote! )
Noooo. No pero la gente se pasa de verg…. pinches sodas de casi un galon y todavia dicen. Hay k pokito me dura. No es normal gente. No es normal
I'm so sick of this Commy Bastard president and the goofy mayor of NewYork City dictating what a person can or can't do. Do you really think this is going to stop obesity!!! No it won't because now they'll just buy straight drinks!!! How stupid New York! You want communism, why don't you move to a communist country!! Leave America, we don't need your kind here, and oh yes take this Commy idiot president with you, he sucks!!!!
Its from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.
Also: They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserves neither liberty nor safety.
Yeah your right, but think along this line….it will be double the taxes without raising them.
as a diebetic, I drink diet soda, the goverment needs to stay out of our lives, who are they to tell us what we can and can not drink or smoke or what ever we choose to do. Its our right as American's to drink what ever we want! They are taking our rights away every day, first the ban on public smoking, adn now what you can or how much you can drink. Wake up america, we are loosing our rights every day, its time to tell the people in power that work for us, you are fired, and go home.. They are taking our rights away every day. now watch next will be our right to bare arms and soon our right to freely say what we thinking and what we want to say. This is sad. WAKE UP AMERICA.
as a diebetic, I drink diet soda, the goverment needs to stay out of our lives, who are they to tell us what we can and can not drink or smoke or what ever we choose to do. Its our right as American's to drink what ever we want! They are taking our rights away every day, first the ban on public smoking, adn now what you can or how much you can drink. Wake up america, we are loosing our rights every day, its time to tell the people in power that work for us, you are fired, and go home.. They are taking our rights away every day. now watch next will be our right to bare arms and soon our right to freely say what we thinking and what we want to say. This is sad. WAKE UP AMERICA.
and what happens to our freedoms. like freedom choice. everyone wants to tell other people how to live and what they can and cannot do. I was feeling the same as the rest of the commenters that people will buy 2 instead of one. and that it benefits the seller and perhaps MR. Bloomberg. they found out diet is bad for people. why is that being pushed?
Cancer from second hand smoke is a myth. There is no proof of it and it would be almost impossible to prove except by a scientific study that will take at least a century. I'll tell you about it but I'm sure you're not interested in facts. By the way, being around second hand smoke, MORE harmful than actual smoking?? Seriously? Are you insane? (Just asking.)
Little by little? Lately? Seat belt and bike helmet laws have been around for awhile. Continued attempts to overturn Roe Vs Wade. The Patriot Act. They've been taking our rights for quite a long time now.
Little by little? Lately? Seat belt and bike helmet laws have been around for awhile. Continued attempts to overturn Roe Vs Wade. The Patriot Act. They've been taking our rights for quite a long time now.
save it
Entonces tu prefieres que el gobierno controle lo que entra a tu panzota. Que bien, que bien. jajajaja
Just FYI, cane sugar IS processed white sugar. Our processed white sugar comes from 2 sources, sugar cane and sugar beets. No difference in calories or how our bodies respond. No nutritional value. However, if I drank soda or any other sweetened drink, I would choose sugar over HFCS every time!
WE ARE STARTING TO LIVE IN A REALLY STRANGE COUNTRY….getting a bit scary here…is this the great USA and freedom to live as we choose without inflicting it on others? We better ditch this Head of country guy before you start seeing some other stuff rolling down the pike that will make your hair stand…tobacco, alcohol, candy…ya see what I mean? a slippery slope my friends!
PS what they might do to appease the masses is tax the crud out of it to make a buck..because they KNOW YOU WANT THAT PRODUCT..we better start standing up as Americans..
If people enforce the threats of aspartame, more people will decide against drinking any alternative sodas as well over time, which, in this case would be diet drinks.
Really though, feeling as if though your life is being torn apart because you can't buy a soda drink more than 16oz? I say it's a great idea, this country is unhealthy. One step at a time.
Sure people will try the alternatives, most will even stick to it. But seriously, make the negative effects of aspartame known, and pretty soon, people will be drinking healthier things, like, oh, lets see, water?
Besides, who's to say people will run to the diet side anyways? They might just decide 16 oz of soda is fine. I can only see the huge people of this country attempting to riot over a 32oz coca cola.