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Download New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's recent proposal to ban supersize soda and sugary drinks to fight obesity has triggered a debate that is largely between personal liberty and solid science. Under Bloomberg's plan, any soda or sugary drink larger than 473ml will be forbidden in local restaurants, theaters and stadiums. Diet coke, fruit juice and dairy-based drinks will not be affected, and neither will sales of sugary drinks in supermarkets and grocery stores, which are regulated by the state. The proposal is expected to be submitted to the New York City Board of Health in the coming days. If passed, which is highly likely given that the board's members are appointed by Bloomberg, it could take effect as early as in March 2013. Businesses that don't comply could face a $200 fine. The proposal has come under fire in the past two weeks as restaurant owners, vendors and beverage manufacturers, politicians, consumers and columnists blasted the government for going too far. While it is no surprise for businesses to oppose the idea because it will cut their profits, the protest from individuals arises mostly from the American thinking that people should be left to make their own decision, albeit a bad one, and the government should play no role in this. A NY1-Marist poll last week found that 53 percent of New Yorkers said the proposal is a bad idea while 42 percent like it. To support Bloomberg's proposal, a 23-page task force report on reversing the epidemic of obesity posted on the New York City government website provides solid scientific data and analysis, yet major news organizations and opponents have so far turned a blind eye to the facts. | 
