Slurp!

The ban in New York City on sugary sodas in servings over one pint that was supposed to take effect today will not, in fact, take effect. A judge blocked it, saying it was arbitrary and capricious, as it imposes too much authority and exempts grocery stores - supermarkets and convenience stores, mainly - which apparently defeats the purpose. Mayor Michael Bloomberg has vowed to appeal the ruling.

Conservatives, of course, will likely applaud the ruling, and noted wolf killer Sarah Palin already has, calling the judicial action a victory for liberty. This isn't the first time Palin has promoted the right to consume lots of sugar; she brought cookies to a private school in Pennsylvania when she made an appearance there and encouraged the students to eat them. Expect other right-wingers to concur with her "thoughts."

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Conservatives seem to think that obesity and consuming foods and drinks rich in sugar and fat are God-given rights that people ought to indulge in accordingly, and they have a problem with Michelle Obama promoting healthy eating and physical fitness. Would they have issues with a white First Lady advocating the same thing? Yes - because we Americans simply love our junk food. Mrs. Obama's anti-obesity campaign doesn't square with the American ideal of breakfast candy masquerading as cereal, rapidly prepared lunches at McDonald's, and warmed-up frozen fried "chicken nuggets" for dinner. Quite the opposite: It promotes an un-American idea of culinary wholesomeness and restrained consumption.

Having said all that, I don't think that the injunction against the ban on large sugary drinks in New York is a setback for the anti-obesity campaign. The issue has people talking about the value, or lack thereof, of oversized drink portions. And you don't really need a ban to keep you from buying a one-quart drink. You just need common sense and restraint.

I know many Americans possess neither of those qualities, but what the heck . . ..

Me? I mostly drink iced tea, seltzer and water, with one diet soda a day, sometimes two (but not as often these days), and orange juice and coffee for breakfast.