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New York City Plans Limits on Restaurants’ Use of Trans Fats
I just heard about this for the first time on NPR this morning; seriously, it blows my mind. I'm not sure if it's the libertarian streak I acquired in New Hampshire and since haven't managed to shake, but the thought of the government telling people WHAT THEY CAN EAT strikes me as ridiculously, insultingly paternalistic. The advocate in the NPR discussion just made it worse by trying to justify it with "but people are too dumb to know that trans fats are bad for them." Um, whatever.
I mean, I can only barely see the justification for banning smoking in bars; if it were only to protect other patrons I'd say it's their choice to be there, but bartenders make good money and shouldn't have to sacrifice their health for a well-paying job. But eating trans fats? Only hurts you! No one else! And many people, I think, make an effort to keep their diet healthy at home but enjoy at least the option of a treat when they go out.
Doesn't the department of health have other things it could POSSIBLY prioritize above treating adults like dim-witted children?
At least I can be sure that it'll be a cold day in hell before Philadelphia tries to implement something like this. I mean, we're a city known primarily for cheese steaks and Tastykakes. Yeah.
I just heard about this for the first time on NPR this morning; seriously, it blows my mind. I'm not sure if it's the libertarian streak I acquired in New Hampshire and since haven't managed to shake, but the thought of the government telling people WHAT THEY CAN EAT strikes me as ridiculously, insultingly paternalistic. The advocate in the NPR discussion just made it worse by trying to justify it with "but people are too dumb to know that trans fats are bad for them." Um, whatever.
I mean, I can only barely see the justification for banning smoking in bars; if it were only to protect other patrons I'd say it's their choice to be there, but bartenders make good money and shouldn't have to sacrifice their health for a well-paying job. But eating trans fats? Only hurts you! No one else! And many people, I think, make an effort to keep their diet healthy at home but enjoy at least the option of a treat when they go out.
Doesn't the department of health have other things it could POSSIBLY prioritize above treating adults like dim-witted children?
At least I can be sure that it'll be a cold day in hell before Philadelphia tries to implement something like this. I mean, we're a city known primarily for cheese steaks and Tastykakes. Yeah.
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