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Since New York City has obviously solved all of the other problems within the city, Mayor Michael Bloomberg now wants to take on a "larger" problem.

In another effort to combat obesity using government power, the Bloomberg administration is enacting a ban on sugary beverages larger that 16 ounces.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg plans to propose a far-reaching municipal ban on sales of large-size sugary beverages by restaurants, mobile food carts, movie theaters and delis, his administration said on Wednesday.

A document outlining the proposal said it was aimed at fighting an epidemic of obesity, citing public health statistics showing that 58 percent of New York City adults and nearly 40 percent of city public school students are obese or overweight.

The proposal defines sugary drinks as beverages that are "sweetened with sugar or another caloric sweetener that contain more than 25 calories per 8 fluid ounces and contains less than 51 percent milk or milk substitute by volume as an ingredient."

It would impact drinks sold in containers larger than 16 ounces, but would not impact the sale of diet soda or dairy-based drinks.

This is not the first time Bloomberg has tried to use government power to fight health issues. He has also started campaign to cut down on sodium and trans fat in the city's restaurants. Bloomberg also tried to enact a smoking ban in New York City back in 2003.

What a horrible idea. These government backed anti-obesity/anti-smoking/anti-anything that's bad for you kind of campaigns are not just a huge intrusion on the rights of citizens and businesses, they are also a complete waste of time. Yes, obesity is a big problem in America, (no pun intended) but it's not the government's problem to solve. And frankly, I don't think it's any of their business what we choose to eat and drink. Here's an idea for these health-nut politicians: how about letting us worry about our own health and well-being and you get back to doing what we elected you to do?

What do you think? Should politicians use their political power to enforce "healthy habits?"

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