THE END OF CIVILIZATION – AT 8:40 A.M. ET:  Forget the Iranian bomb.  Forget the economy.  Forget North Korea.  Forget the Keystone Pipeline.  Let's get into the serious crises here.  From The New York Times:

New York City plans to enact a far-reaching ban on the sale of large sodas and other sugary drinks at restaurants, movie theaters and street carts, in the most ambitious effort yet by the Bloomberg administration to combat rising obesity.

The proposed ban would affect virtually the entire menu of popular sugary drinks found in delis, fast-food franchises and even sports arenas, from energy drinks to pre-sweetened iced teas. The sale of any cup or bottle of sweetened drink larger than 16 fluid ounces — about the size of a medium coffee, and smaller than a common soda bottle — would be prohibited under the first-in-the-nation plan, which could take effect as soon as next March.

The measure would not apply to diet sodas, fruit juices, dairy-based drinks like milkshakes, or alcoholic beverages; it would not extend to beverages sold in grocery or convenience stores.

“Obesity is a nationwide problem, and all over the United States, public health officials are wringing their hands saying, ‘Oh, this is terrible,’ ” Mr. Bloomberg said in an interview on Wednesday in the Governor’s Room at City Hall.

“New York City is not about wringing your hands; it’s about doing something,” he said. “I think that’s what the public wants the mayor to do.”

COMMENT:  Oh yes, the public is crying out for action on Pepsi, that national menace.  Why, I understand the Pentagon is developing anti-Coke and anti-Pepsi special weapons.  A crack team of elite troops is being secretly trained to take on the threat.  Their hallowed symbol:  a tape measure crossed with a scale.  Eat your heart out, 82nd Airborne.

Really now, this is the nanny state writ large. And what a statement against obesity!  The plan leaves out beverages sold in grocery or convenience stores.  Don't heavily set people go there, too?

I don't think New Yorkers will lose a pound on this plan. 

But I can see the advent of carbonated speakeasies.  Just say, "Mike Bloomberg sent me."  You'll get Classic Coke, unlabeled. 

May 31,  2012