New York…. another reason not to live there
In the movie, Demolition Man, Dennis Leary goes off on a rant about how he is not participating in the new world order because he might want to clog his arteries with a cheeseburger with a side of greasy bacon. It was funny at the time, because it seemed so far-fetched that you wouldn’t be able to eat what you want at a restaurant. Not any more. New York City passed an ordinance banning restaurants and bakeries from using trans fats under the guise that they create health problems. Hmmm… anybody else worried about this. It isn’t bad enough we have seatbelt laws for adults, some states have helmet laws for motorcyclists, now you cannot even order cake in a restaurant because a group of yahoos deemed you couldn’t decide for yourself what is healthy and unhealthy.
I hate to say this, but the smokers were right. At least I can understand the argument for banning smoking. I mean second-hand smoke at least affects the people around. Now the government wants to tell you that they need to protect you from trans fats. It isn’t as if when you eat them you expel them into the people around you. Of course I will hear from those that obesity has societal cost in the terms of health care…. blah… blah. So does not exercising, driving a car, watching television, ect. There are always societal costs to not being the healthiest you can be.
I wonder if NYC is so concerned about health that it is banning alcohol? Hmmm… I bet not. Kind of hypocritical don’t you think? After all, there are only health problems associated with alcohol and it has a high societal cost. Liver damage, drunk drivers, alcoholism, ect. Of course not. Why would they ban that? It is so much easier to hear a buzzword like trans fats and think that the public is too stupid to make decisions for themselves. I am not saying trans fats aren’t bad. In fact, I do think most of society is oblivious to the problems they cause and even what foods contain them. Education and information might be more helpful. Maybe restaurants and bakeries should have to print the amount of trans fat in each item on any menu or display. This way you can make an informed decision. After all, aren’t we all about freedom of choice in this Country?