Where Does It End?
Imagine a country where nobody has rights. Every aspect of life is controlled by an autonomous government. Nobody in this country is able to express themselves freely, and there are no individuals. All that exists in this country is the same, and if anything is different, the government either makes it the same as everything else or gets rid of it. This “imaginary” country was, in fact, the U.S.S.R. Now think about America. America is founded on the ideas that people should be free to express themselves how they please. In fact, the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution ensures citizens’ freedoms of expression, speech, religion, etc. These two countries seem like complete opposites, but they might not be as different as they seem. In some ways America is slowly becoming a second Soviet Union. This may be an exaggeration, but the fact remains that Americans are slowly surrendering freedoms for illusions of safety. An example of Americans surrendering their freedoms is the soda ban in New York City.
For example, the ban limits the size of all sugary drinks that can be sold in New York City. All sugary drinks sold in New York City cannot exceed 16 ounces. The only exceptions to this law are diet sodas, calorie free drinks, and drinks that are at least half milk. Supporters of this bill believe the ban will help protect citizens.
Soda Ban supporters believe that by limiting the amount of sugar New Yorkers consume, they are protecting New Yorkers. In fact, a 20 ounce bottle of coke has a similar calorie count as a hamburger from McDonald’s. That is a major problem considering liquids don’t make humans feel as full as solid foods. Since they’re not as filling, it is easier to over consume liquid calories. This problem of over consumption is increased by large servings of these empty calories and excess sugar. Empty calories and sugar from soft drinks leads to obesity and increases the risk for diabetes.
Opponents of the Soda ban say this ban would not affect the obesity rate as much as the Mayor intended. Sugary drinks only account for roughly 7% of the total calories people consume per day. Since the ban seems like it makes citizens healthier, people become in favor of the ban. Therefore, the illusion of increased health in everyday life makes people more willing to give up their right to buy bigger beverage sizes. My question regarding our surrendering of rights for illusions of safety is, “when does it stop?”
In order to assert my opinion, first I need to explain the role of the government. The primary job of a government is to protect its citizens. However, the bill of rights states that the government may not infringe upon the rights of said citizens. Where is the line between protection and over stepping their bounds?
In order to protect citizens without stealing too much of their rights, the government should place an age limit on unhealthy food. Since cigarettes and alcohol have an age restriction, then so should products with excess sugar. The ideal goal of an age restriction would be to protect kids from obesity, and then allowing the adults to make choices for themselves. This is because once people are eighteen they become legal adults and are expected to be able to make rational decisions. Thus, the government gives them more freedoms.
However, the government only has so much power over our daily lives and almost no control over our decision making. it is important that we Americans take action against the decimation of our freedoms. This can be done by taking little, gradual steps to change the system. A good place to start for New Yorkers is to challenge the soda ban. Also, think of everyday laws that restrict your rights and assess if the added protection is real, or just an illusion.
Imagine a country where nobody has rights. Every aspect of life is controlled by an autonomous government. Nobody in this country is able to express themselves freely, and there are no individuals. All that exists in this country is the same, and if anything is different, the government either makes it the same as everything else or gets rid of it. This “imaginary” country was, in fact, the U.S.S.R. Now think about America. America is founded on the ideas that people should be free to express themselves how they please. In fact, the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution ensures citizens’ freedoms of expression, speech, religion, etc. These two countries seem like complete opposites, but they might not be as different as they seem. In some ways America is slowly becoming a second Soviet Union. This may be an exaggeration, but the fact remains that Americans are slowly surrendering freedoms for illusions of safety. An example of Americans surrendering their freedoms is the soda ban in New York City.
For example, the ban limits the size of all sugary drinks that can be sold in New York City. All sugary drinks sold in New York City cannot exceed 16 ounces. The only exceptions to this law are diet sodas, calorie free drinks, and drinks that are at least half milk. Supporters of this bill believe the ban will help protect citizens.
Soda Ban supporters believe that by limiting the amount of sugar New Yorkers consume, they are protecting New Yorkers. In fact, a 20 ounce bottle of coke has a similar calorie count as a hamburger from McDonald’s. That is a major problem considering liquids don’t make humans feel as full as solid foods. Since they’re not as filling, it is easier to over consume liquid calories. This problem of over consumption is increased by large servings of these empty calories and excess sugar. Empty calories and sugar from soft drinks leads to obesity and increases the risk for diabetes.
Opponents of the Soda ban say this ban would not affect the obesity rate as much as the Mayor intended. Sugary drinks only account for roughly 7% of the total calories people consume per day. Since the ban seems like it makes citizens healthier, people become in favor of the ban. Therefore, the illusion of increased health in everyday life makes people more willing to give up their right to buy bigger beverage sizes. My question regarding our surrendering of rights for illusions of safety is, “when does it stop?”
In order to assert my opinion, first I need to explain the role of the government. The primary job of a government is to protect its citizens. However, the bill of rights states that the government may not infringe upon the rights of said citizens. Where is the line between protection and over stepping their bounds?
In order to protect citizens without stealing too much of their rights, the government should place an age limit on unhealthy food. Since cigarettes and alcohol have an age restriction, then so should products with excess sugar. The ideal goal of an age restriction would be to protect kids from obesity, and then allowing the adults to make choices for themselves. This is because once people are eighteen they become legal adults and are expected to be able to make rational decisions. Thus, the government gives them more freedoms.
However, the government only has so much power over our daily lives and almost no control over our decision making. it is important that we Americans take action against the decimation of our freedoms. This can be done by taking little, gradual steps to change the system. A good place to start for New Yorkers is to challenge the soda ban. Also, think of everyday laws that restrict your rights and assess if the added protection is real, or just an illusion.