Big Government Wants to Ban Big Macs in Fat Neighborhoods

Just when we thought we had hit a clear patch from crazy franchise laws, suddenly another bump on the road of liberty comes along. Now Big Government in NY wants to interfere in the lives of its citizens by banning Big Macs in obese neighborhoods. This just in from NY's The Sun :

"City Councilman Joel Rivera, a Democrat of the Bronx, and the chairman of the Health Committee of the City Council, recommended that the city use zoning laws to limit the number of fast food restaurants in neighborhoods where obesity is prevalent."

One wonders how they'll determine which neighborhood is obese and which one is not.  NY neighborhoods without a McDonald's will tell all that pass through, "This is a Fat Neighborhood. Those that live here are not just fatties but they are fatties out of control and in need of big brothers help. We mean big, humongous fatso's live here."

Dr. Elizabeth Whelan of the American Council on Science and Health replies:

"Mayor Bloomberg, M.D." and his colleagues on the City Council will not be successful in preventing obesity by restricting burger joints, taxing "junk food," and banning food advertising - all measures that are currently being considered here and in other parts of our fat land.

Obesity is a serious health threat, but public health officials and their counterparts in government should abandon these ineffective and intrusive measures. Intensified educational programs that teach people how to follow diet and exercise plans would be more benign and effective than bossing them around and closing their favorite restaurants.

Well put, Dr. Whelan.

I wonder what the fate of a politician would be who dared know better than his constituents where they should eat? I suspect such a politician should plan on a short career in politics.

Photo by aarondinham