Is The Government Allowed To Have a Say in Managing People's Behavior?

In the article Sugar Wars by Veronica Majerol, it states how Michael Bloomberg, mayor of New York City, is passing a law banning drinks over six teen ounces. Naturally, this is a major controversy throughout the city. Some wonder whether or not it is the governments responsibility to say what citizens can and cannot eat. This question has been asked throughout the nation as well. In the article, Majerol says, "The sugary-drink debate is part of a larger question about the role of government in managing people's behavior." Many citizens think that it is an individuals right to be able to make his/hers own decisions. However, that has not stopped some states from putting certain bans and limits on things. In Middleborough, Massachusetts they made cursing a public offense, and the governor of Tennessee banned students from sagging their pants. The question is does the government have the right to ban these things?

The author wanted us to think that the government shouldn't be able to ban these things. She does a very good job of staying unbiased. She does this by talking about obesity in New York, and talking about the increase in soda sizes. However, if you look closely you can see her opinion voiced throughout the article. She does this by showing a lot of quotes from people who don't think that the government should be able to ban these things. For example, she quotes Justin Wilson of the Center for Consumer Freedom, he says, "Fundamentally, I don't think we need the government to protect us from ourself."

Personally, I don't think that the government should have that much of a say in what we can eat and do and dress. I think that we as individuals should be able to make our own decisions. If someone want to curse, he/she should be allowed to curse. If someone want to dress a certain way, that person should be able to dress however he/she wants. If someone wants to drink 16 ounces of soda, no one should be able to stop him/her. Although personally, I wouldn't drink 16 ounces of soda, It should be up to the individual to make the decision. 

In conclusion, the article is about the government banning things that some feel aren't up to the government to ban. Also, the author wants us to think that the government shouldn't be allowed to ban these things. I personally agree with the author.