NYC Soda Ban

[4consideration]

How is protecting citizens unable to protect themselves the creation of a nanny state? Right now there is a mom somewhere giving her kids a glass of pop with their Lucky Charms. Who's protecting the kid?

The best measure of any society is how it treats those least able to defend themselves.

Sure. The question is really how far are you willing to take it? When you take "protection from oneself" beyond the realm of real and present danger, it's all about someone else's interpretation of what is harmful and to what degree protection is required.

If there was scientific evidence that sexual activity presented a documented increased risk of heart attack for a man after a certain -- say, 40 -- or with certain health conditions -- do you think that the government has the authority to limit or prohibit him from sexual activity -- for his own good? What about for the medical costs borne by society for sexually related (preventable) heart attacks?

What about prohibiting that man from having sex for the purpose of prolonging his life -- in order to protect his child from the risk of losing his dad due to sexually induced heart attack?

 

[Wirey]

Sure. The question is really how far are you willing to take it? When you take "protection from oneself" beyond the realm of real and present danger, it's all about someone else's interpretation of what is harmful and to what degree protection is required.

If there was scientific evidence that sexual activity presented a documented increased risk of heart attack for a man after a certain -- say, 40 -- or with certain health conditions -- do you think that the government has the authority to limit or prohibit him from sexual activity -- for his own good? What about for the medical costs borne by society for sexually related (preventable) heart attacks?

What about prohibiting that man from having sex for the purpose of prolonging his life -- in order to protect his child from the risk of losing his dad due to sexually induced heart attack?

It depends on the cost. Governments make decisions based on what will best benefit society as a whole, not on the wishes of the individual. And sex is not exactly a fair example. First, it's a 'what if' about something that doesn't exist. Attempting to defend or discredit it is not possible. Second, you'd be talking about two different things, requirements and wishes. Society will continue to function without Mountain Dew. Sugary drinks don't provide any benefit whatsoever. Sex is a basic human drive.

 

[esmith]

What has really started this program of the government has to protect the stupid citizens? In my opinion it was the lawyers. Take a look at all of the warning labels that have to go on everyday common household items, some of them are down right stupid...your usual comment is "no one is that stupid to do that". All of these labels are a direct response to lawsuits. Now the government is getting involved. I'm not sure if any of you remember the old 5gal (20 lb) propane tank that is used on barbecue grills. Prior to the government getting involved there was no "overflow protection device". Why was it put on....because the government didn't think that companies could train their employees to do their jobs.

 

[Old Scratch]

Governments make decisions based on what will best benefit society as a whole......

Stop! Stop! <gurgle> Stop it...<gurgle> Harhar..hahhhhhahahhahah! <gurgle>....such a keen & wicked sense of humor you have!
So unbearably funny this is, that scotch (what I drink) through My nose shot! And with such a delectable lack of irony you deliver!
A mind such as yours far above the huddled & fearful masses is! Curse you & your spawn!

PS
When 487 gallons of scotch the Lake Of Fire hits, a most impressive spectacle it makes.

 

[Wirey]

Stop! Stop! <gurgle> Stop it...<gurgle> Harhar..hahhhhhahahhahah! <gurgle>....such a keen & wicked sense of humor you have!
So unbearably funny this is, that scotch (what I drink) through My nose shot! And with such a delectable lack of irony you deliver!
A mind such as yours far above the huddled & fearful masses is! Curse you & your spawn!

PS
When 487 gallons of scotch the Lake Of Fire hits, a most impressive spectacle it makes.

Okay, governments should make decisions based on what will best benefit society as a whole. Damn literalists.