Pop or Stop?

A recent article published in the New York Times titled "Fighting for the Right to Drink Soda," is a brief analysis on the conflict regarding the current health issues with soda pop (and our right to indulge ourselves in these health-depriving cans of sugar and carbonation). For a link to the article click here.

According to the article, many individuals are beginning to draw a parallel between tobacco and soda pop, believing the side effects are effecting both our health as well as our health care system. It seems much of our taxes are being put toward the health care to save the obese population in our country - many of who drink an excessive amount of soda pop. Yet, to lawfully exclude soda pop from a person's diet imposes a strict violation of American ethics; freedom.

Personally, I have never been a fan of soda pop. With the occasional Root Beer float or Pepsi on a nice summer day (I tend to have more of a pop-craving in the summer), I am not a fan of carbonated beverages. I choose water over a sugary soda pop any day. Yet, I do acknowledge the overwhelming desire for a large majority of Americans to drink soda on a regular basis; it seems to become quite a habit after a while - it tastes good and the sugar keeps you coming back for more.

While I do not feel that soda pop's health damage is comparative to that of an avid cigarette smoker (this seems a little drastic to me), I do see where many of the Department of Health's concerns originate from. There can be no denying that pop has very little (if any) nutritional value for a consumer. It's ingredients are based on sugar and chemicals (with a few other random items in the mix). Yet, in spite of this overwhelming health concern for soda drinkers, I do believe it is a devine right for a human being to eat/drink whatever they please.

While personal infliction and suicide attempts are severely shunned upon, I do not believe soda drinkers elevate themselves to such an extreme. Most candy has little nutritional value - should we outlaw that too???

Post any thoughts or ideas you might have regarding this article/issue...