'Food police' lose battle in New York

The New York City "food police" lost a round in court Monday when a judge ruled the mayor's ban on 16-ounce soft drinks, sweet teas and other sugary drinks was arbitrary and outside the authority of city health regulators.

But never fear, Mayor Michael Bloomberg already is threatening to appeal the ruling, saying his action is in the best interest of the city's residents and action must be taken to attack the growing problem of obesity and diabetes.

The idiocy of the struck-down law is it banned 16-ounce drinks but did nothing to stop a customer from buying two, three, four or more 12-ounce drinks for a total far in excess of the 16-ounce ban. And, it did not ban the large drinks in supermarkets or at some convenience stores, so how would it have been effective?

Citing health issues, it should be remembered that under Bloomberg, New York was the first city to compel chain restaurants to post calorie counts and ban artificial trans fats in restaurant food.

Unfortunately, passing legislation will never stop obesity, just as passing laws won't stop immorality, criminal activity or stupidity.

If people want to eat and drink potentially harmful food to excess, they will do so until they are forced to stop either by death, serious illness or finally realizing they need to change their lifestyle to survive and/or enjoy life.

With West Virginians being the most obese with the highest percentage of diabetes in the nation, simply banning certain foods, food preparation and drink would not change personal habits ... and that's what has to change.

Bloomberg may have the best interest of his citizens at heart, but his efforts are illogical and aren't attacking the problem.