NAACP Questions Racial Fairness of NYC Soda Ban

Posted by in Blog, News, Politics on January 23, 2013 1:14 pm / 4 comments

I could be wrong, but I think this is example 1,876,874 of trying to make everything about race. An NAACP group is now questioning the racial fairness of Mike Bloomberg’s ban of the sale of sodas that are over 16 ounces because they say it will have a more adverse effect on minority businesses. From WTOP:

Opponents of the city’s limit on the size of sugary drinks are raising questions of racial fairness alongside other complaints as the novel restriction faces a court test.

The NAACP’s New York state branch and the Hispanic Federation have joined beverage makers and sellers in trying to stop the rule from taking effect March 12. With a hearing set Wednesday, critics are attacking what they call an inconsistent and undemocratic regulation, while city officials and health experts defend it as a pioneering and proper move to fight obesity.

The actual argument the NAACP is making here is this:

The NAACP and the Hispanic Federation, a network of 100 northeastern groups, say minority-owned delis and corner stores will end up at a disadvantage compared to grocery chains.

“This sweeping regulation will no doubt burden and disproportionally impact minority-owned businesses at a time when these businesses can least afford it,” they said in court papers. They say the city should focus instead on increasing physical education in schools.

Look, I think the soda ban is one of the dumbest things I have ever seen but I am not buying the racial argument. The NAACP is just doing what their irrelevant group always does: inject race into everything. Not buying that nonsense.

This isn’t a story about race, racism, or racial fairness. No, it’s a story about the disastrous effects that excessive regulation and ridiculous government interference  can have on a free market. Nothing more.

 
 

4 Comments

  1. Darthkeller says:
    January 23, 2013 at 2:52 pm

    You know, I see the NAACP as the Joker in Dark Knight. I see Liberals as The Mob.

    The Mob asked for the help of the NAACP and now the NAACP is fully sentient and has started turning on its master…

    All the while, I’m sitting here laughing my ass off thinking, “You morons liberals! You unleashed this beast, you get to deal with it now!”

  2. Mustango says:
    January 23, 2013 at 6:59 pm

    Two wrongs may not make a right, but in cases like this, they can certainly make one want to break out the popcorn.

  3. Mactish says:
    January 23, 2013 at 11:20 pm

    The writer of this story is stupid. He called the NAACP irrelevant. They were strong enough to help push through the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

    I think that the wording of their complaint was wrong. However, the ban is discriminatory. As always the large corporations and franchises are exempt from this ban.

    How is it that the mom and pop owners can only sell 16 oz. but 7-11 can sell 44 oz.????

    I think Bloomberg is full of crap.

    He isn’t concerned about obesity. If he is so concerned about obesity then he would include milkshakes, lattes, ice cream sundaes and banana splits, potato chips, French fries, etc.

    Also, only take out would be affected. If you eat in the restaurant can buy a 16 oz. soda and get free refills.

    He says that milkshakes are not affected because they have nutritional value. This about this. A McDonald’s 32 oz. soda contains approximately 310 calories, zero fat and 86 grams of sugar. Whereas a 22 oz. vanilla milkshake contains 820 calories, 24 grams of fat and 102 grams of sugar.

    Proper nutrition is the responsibility of the parents no the mayor. If they are so concerned they need to monitor what is served at the schools. For years school lunches have contained hot dogs, tacos even Lunchables, pizza, potato chips and other junk food. What about that????? But you are worried about the size of a soda???? How much soda can one drink?

    How about keeping physical education in the schools so that the children can get some exercise????

    It does not matter what your diet contains if you don’t get any exercise you are subject to be overweight.

  4. Keith in Seattle says:
    January 25, 2013 at 10:12 pm

    WTF does soda have to do with racial fairness? Isn’t this getting out of hand about now? The very term “Racist” has been watered down SO much that it has lost its meaning…

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