On Soda Pop...

Caputo's Corner reemerges from the shadows with this "intercepted" letter from a citizen of New York City to mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Dear Mayor Bloomberg,

Thank you for proposing a new law banning sodas and other sugary drinks from being sold in quantities larger than 16 ounces in our fair city.  I think it is wonderful that our government is taking a forward-thinking approach to combating obesity.  You see, I know that sugary drinks are bad for you.  I know they lead to obesity, but instead of taking the initiative for myself and refusing to purchase or consume these beverages, I feel much better if our all-powerful omniscient government tells me that I can't, not only for my benefit, but for the millions of my fellow citizens who cannot make good decisions on their own behalf.  I love that government legislates bad behavior out of our society, or at least it tries to.  After all, if I really need that sugar fix, I can just buy two of those society-threatening 16-ounce sodas we are working so hard to eliminate.  While I'm at it, I can get a dirty-water dog loaded with cholesterol on a street corner.  Why stop there?  I can just walk into a local watering hole and attack my liver by consuming mass quantities of alcoholic beverages.  Mr. Mayor, can you please propose more wonderful laws to tell me not to do these things either?  I know that they are bad for me, but I just can't help myself.  I need you to tell me what is good for me and what is bad for me. 

Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to these matters.  I may become obese before you do. 

A concerned citizen of New York.