Michelle Obama on Bloomberg’s Drink Ban: I ‘Applaud’ It, But Only at the Local Level
- Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:01pm by
Mytheos Holt
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WASHINGTON (AP/The Blaze) — First lady Michelle Obama says banning big servings of sugary drinks isn‘t anything she’d want to do at the federal level but she offered some kind words for New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s effort to do just that.
Shortly after saying that Tuesday, the first lady issued a statement backing away from taking a stand on New York’s controversial proposed ban.
It was a telling example of the fine line the first lady walks as she tries to improve Americans‘ health and eating habits without provoking complaints that she’s part of any “nanny state” telling people how to eat or raise their children.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Mrs. Obama said there’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution for the country’s health challenges. Asked specifically about Bloomberg’s proposal, she said, “We applaud anyone who’s stepping up to think about what changes work in their communities. New York is one example.”
And asked whether the nation’s obesity epidemic warrants taking a more aggressive approach, such as Bloomberg’s, she said, “There are people like Mayor Bloomberg who are, and that is perfectly fine.”
In a statement later, Mrs. Obama said she hadn’t intended to weigh in on the Bloomberg plan “one way or the other.”
“I was trying to make the point that every community is different and every solution is different and that I applaud local leaders including mayors, business leaders, parents, etc., who are taking this issue seriously and working towards solving this problem.”
“But this is not something the administration is pursuing at a federal level and not something I’m specifically endorsing or condemning,” she said.
In the interview, Mrs. Obama said she’s “trying to create a big tent for people. Our motto is everyone has a role to play in this and I think it’s up to communities and families to figure out what role they can play, what role they should play.”
Last week, Bloomberg proposed limiting portion sizes of sugary drinks to 16 ounces at the city’s restaurants, delis, food trucks, movie theaters and sporting arenas. Regular soda and sports drinks would be affected, while diet sodas wouldn’t.
The ban has been denounced by the soft-drink industry and critics who accuse the mayor of trying to institute a “nanny state” rather than allowing individuals to make their own choices. It’s expected to win the approval of the Bloomberg-appointed Board of Health and take effect as early as March.
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Comments (114)
LowIQGenius
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:44pmI actually have to agree with the First Lady. It IS the right of the state and/or city to commit to such laws. If the people of New York want to ban soda, then let them ban soda. It is the resident’s right to either leave or stand up for their beliefs. As long as the Feds don’t involve themselves in such trivial things, I’m okay. This is probably the most conservative statement to leave the White House in about four years!
Report Post »Maxim Crux
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 10:41pmWrong, it is not in the power of the Mayor to tell someone what they can and can not purchase or sell when it poses no threat to the life and liberty of other individuals. I suggest you get a couple books on the constitution so you know what your talking about. “The Making of America” by Cleon Skousen will be a good start.
Report Post »mwhaley
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 11:03pmSo let me get this straight, in New York, after a woman kills her baby she can no longer get a big gulp with her Skittles.
Report Post »black9897
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 11:14pmYou’re outta yo mind! If you think it’s the right of someone to pick up and gun and force someone to believe in what you do or to do something then please leave the U.S.
Of course the First lady would like it. The next step is national level. She’d be ok with it. After all, she’s ok with having health care forced on us violently.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 11:54pmStrange… It is the Right of a City or State to Destroy itself… but Illegal to commit Suicide!
Report Post »Uranium Wedge
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 11:56pmThe moment when government tells you how to eat…..
Report Post »snooop1e
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 12:07am““We applaud anyone who’s stepping up to think about what changes work in their communities. New York is one example.” So does that mean that the Justice Dept is going to back off Jan Brewer and the State of Arizona?
Report Post »Thatsitivehadenough
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 2:45amI couldn’t care less what she thinks. I’m voting against her as much as I am voting against her husband.
Report Post »mauijonny
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:11amShe has very high cheek bones…
Report Post »Bill Rowland
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 6:27amIf Michelle has her way the food police will knock on your door to check and see if you have eaten your brussel sprouts and broccoli today. You are only allowed 2 cups of coffee and 1 16oz soft drink per day and can have meat at only on meal. Of course these laws advocated by michelle will not apply to congress or the white house (congress gives itself a pass as usual).
Michelle will be eating 16oz T-ones and baked potatoes with the works while we dine on salad and bottled water.
OMG Nov 6, 2012
Report Post »Hoax And Chains
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 6:35amI disagree. This is how the federal government grabs power over a period of time. Little laws like this, used at state level are eventually used as examples for why the federal government has the right to do it at the national level. A local government telling me how much soda I can buy? A non-narcotic, non-mind-altering substance that is legally available to all for purchase? I’m suprprised Michelle did not advocate for this at the federal level.
Report Post »MittensKittens
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 7:34amI could care less what the stink pool of NYC does. As far as the first crackwh0re goes shes behind anything that takes away rights. I bet she’s now proud of NYC for the first time in her pathetic life.
Report Post »Obama_Sham
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 7:47amI understand the point of view by the op… Personally, I would rather have tyranny happen on the local level rather than the state level, and especially not at the federal level… Reason being, it is easier to remove tyrants at the local level… With that said, this is still a very slippery slope… With the way the federal level has taken power from the states, ultimately, laws like this end up on the federal level…
I would suggest that the great citizens of N.Y. remove their mayor from office before this snowball cascades in to an avalanche…
Report Post »suttonea76
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 8:50amI personally feel the best example of leadership above all else is the ability to listen to the people you govern. It takes courage and alot of restraint to not dictate but rather listen to those you are sworn to protect. It is a dangerous practice to attempt to protect someone against themselves. We have seen our own government institute laws that have no victims but to appeal to the “greater good” and self preservation. This is a runaway train as laws come out everyday with the appeal to those that government cares. The large soda issue is no different. For some reason some elected officials feel that they must pass laws in order to have a record worth bragging about. Maybe a good record is sustaining a good mixture of small government and large private sector growth. I would rather say to any reporter that I stayed out of the way and removed restrictions for commerce to grow to allow the real American Dream to materialize. The people will make mistakes collectively but the people are the only ones who can right the ship as a free market is in balance with competition and demand. That is something the government was never able to figure out. Go away Michelle and realize that America doesn’t need you dictating to the people.
Report Post »standuppeople
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 8:54amParadigm shift. It’s not the size of your “Big Gulp” but the size of your government.
Report Post »randy
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 9:04amSorry HIGHIQIDIOT, no government, federal, state, or local has the constitutional right to ban a legal product.
Report Post »woodyb
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 3:11pmI give Bloomberg a strong thumbs down on this, and I maintain that MY OPINION is just as valuable and carries as much weight as MOOOOCHELLE’s!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »ensemble
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:39pmHey Michelle- we think that you are over indulging with the spending of other peoples money on your vacations and your meals and your drinks. why don’t you curb your appetite and drinking while you are on the dole. at least patrons of the 32 ouncers are spending thier own money.
Report Post »mamatango
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 1:05amExcuse me. But, am I the only one who missed the part where someone asked her opinion???
Report Post »Bellum_Intus
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:36pmDear Michelle, I really have to go to the bathroom, I‘ve been holding it now for hours and you haven’t responded to my request to go to the bathroom.
I feel this is very unhealthy for me to have to hold it so long… Do I have your permission to go now? Perhaps if I had just taken the advice of Mr. Bloomberg and not had so much soda, I’d not have to ask you for and urgent policy change and allow me to pee.
I understand we have to ask for permisison from the government now to urinate, but I feel we need faster responses or I may have to use that ‘free health care’ system..
Sincerely,
Report Post »Drowning in…. yeah..
ensemble
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:36pmOnce again, libs just assume that everyone else is too hapless, hopeless, helpless and stupid to live. The ruling class (even within a state) feels like they have to force the lower classes to do what is best for them. Granted, many of the masses are dolts and out of shape..but when does self responsibility get turned over to hypocritical, corrupt and arrogant leaders? Why can’t we stop them from having more than one glass of wine or spending too much tax dollars on vacation? talk about over indulgence.
Report Post »Bellum_Intus
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:52pmDear Michelle,
Disregard my formal request to go to the bathroom, my bladder just exploded.
Report Post »soybomb315
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:34pmSo Michelle thinks it is a good law for the local level….Kinda like how Romney thinks Romneycare is appropriate at the state level
Report Post »Inlightofthings
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 10:58pmWe’re ahead of you SOY…it’s called triangulation and for you to try and manipulate this topic into a salve to heal your wounds from the good Dr.’s loss is a shame. FLOTUS is not a Federalist…you know that.
Report Post »Amazingoly
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:32pmThe country does not care who you applaud. Start packing.
Report Post »js1964
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 10:13pmI love your thought! Less Gov. = More Freedom!
Report Post »whatthecrazy
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 12:53amright on……….
Report Post »BlackCrow
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:30pmBloomberg wants Cabella’s in Buda Texas to quit selling guns because one maybe, could possibly find it’s way to New York sewer city. Logic follows my Buc-es 84 oz Big Red might end up there along with a gun.
Shove it Mikie
Report Post »lovenfl3
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:36pmOf course she does, she’s a socialist. And remember, we can’t just leave it up to the parents. These liberals always know what’s best for us, whether we know it or not. The ends justifies the means.
Report Post »http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ovzRxR4PI0
georgepatton
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:30pmMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSHELL,
Report Post »Of course you would support anything that has government telling you what to do; you american hater!
PETTYDRAMA
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:29pmJust another pointless story in order to get the racist beckbots out of the backwoods to comment…LOL!
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:32pm@PETTYDRAMA
I noticed that YOU commented. : )))))))) LOLROFSHIH !!!!
Report Post »Inlightofthings
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 10:59pmMONK…
Report Post »Can’t you hear DRAMA in 3rd grade….”I know you are but what am I?”
KangarooJack
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 11:36pmNo, Petty, it’s not pointless. In fact is VERY pointed.
I‘m sorry I’m not asleep at the moment. I’m sure life would be easier if I were, but it’s not just me here. I’ve children and grandchildren to think of.
What kind of World {scratch that-edit} What kind of THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA would I leave to them if I did NOT stand up to Pop Police???
I’m done. I’ve had it. Salt, Cooking oil for potato chips and french fries {note – anyone else notice the upset stomach}, caffinated drinks, etc. STOP! Leave my food alone. Where does it stop? You can serve the Happy Meal minus the toy and fries and give a fruitbowl instead you BAD BAD PARENTS who stop in for a bite to eat. We now can track you everywhere if you buy a NON DIET soda that is bigger than 16oz. Wait-just WAIT. Next time you shop at your local grocery store…are they watching WHAT you eat??? Might that info be transmitted to your health ins. group? Gov’t Health insurance=many eyes.
Think I’m loony? Think I’m kidding? Guess too few are fans of Rod Sterling, Gene Rodenberry, and Orwell.
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:29pm“I ‘Applaud’ It, But Only At The Local Level”
Translation;
“I ‘Applaud’ It, as long as it doesn’t affect the White House, me or Chicago”
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 5:34amHey Monk, at first I had different interpretation pop into my mind.
Report Post »“I ‘Applaud’ It, But Only At The Local Level” to mean as long as the local level regards to every local level in the nation.
LibertyOrDeath12
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:27pmWow, every body go out and buy a swastika. Because you are now living in Hitler’s World.
Why in the world do people have problems with me drinking soda. LOL WOW.. what is the world coming to.
Report Post »LifesNotARehersal
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:38pmDo you live in New York? If not, then don’t worry about it.
Report Post »gsp9993
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 5:21amAnd who really cares what the Witch of the Midwest thinks. The woman who hates America now hates soda. Send all of the first Affirmative Action family back to Chicago to have many more dinners with the Ayers. They can have all the rib tips and Colt 45 malt liquor they want.
Report Post »vic138
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:26pmI call bs on that one!
Report Post »Meyvn
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:22pm“I” am as local as it gets.
Report Post »possom
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:21pm“But this is not something the administration is pursuing at a federal level and not something I’m specifically endorsing or condemning,” she said.
Then why is she opening her big trap?
Report Post »RamonPreston
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 11:08pmBut Only at the Local Level…level…evel…vel…el…l (That was the echo from her big mouth.)
Report Post »Inlightofthings
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:20pmHelp me out here…is FLOTUS supporting a federalist approach at the local / municipal level? So many signals, so little time.
Report Post »Inlightofthings
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:18pmCoined a new phrase today:
Presidebt
Yeah…I’ll post it on all the chat topics only ’cause I like it so much.
Report Post »TheReasonableLib
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:17pmMore fodder for the racists at theblaze to voice their immense hatred of the man’s family. Please tell me again commenters how ugly his wife is and how ugly and “awkward” his children are.
Report Post »Chromo200
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 10:38pmHer looks and smartness was shoved down our throats when obama got elected. That is why at least I have no respect for her …My sister and wife are far more prettier and smarter than she is. Plus they don‘t steal other people’s money.
Report Post »Tri-ox
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:15pmWhatever. The sooner we evict this horrid, angry, not-really-proud-of-America woman and her idiot husband, the better. The destruction that is the obama “presidency” must end, and it is up to us to end it – it is our duty as Americans.
If we are to survive as a nation, obama must be removed from power.
Report Post »cookcountypatriot
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:10pmyeah right….big momma wants complete control…..im amayzed at the trolls in new york.sitting by and giving thier nut mayor no grief over this
Report Post »Meyvn
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:10pmWhat a lame comment by the first female.
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:09pmThis woman is not someone who understands logic; only liberalism–just another mouthpiece of foolishness and a promoter of soft tyranny. I will be glad to see her and her mate leave the White House this year. All hands on deck.
GOP 2012
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 5:38amTron, right on the spot.
Report Post »What was it that Prince Charles said the other day?
Oh yeah,
HIP, HIP
HURRAH!
HIP, HIP
HURRAH!
HIP, HIP
HURRAH!
Ben__Franklin
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:09pmReally? Do the Obamas ever take a stand for anything or are they just “not for” and “not against” everything? I guess that’s why Oblamer voted present all the time.
Oh yeah, Oblamer finally evolved to be for Gay Marriage. Great, now what are you going to do for the Gays in the Nation? Nothing? Well then why did you mention it?
Report Post »BelindaB
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:08pmPlease shut your damn mouth michelle…NOBODY CARES what YOU think. michelle is almost as bad as her LITTLE TWIT husband. I hate her!! She’s a bitch…read “the amateur” has some disgusting things about her in it AS WELL as soetoro!
Report Post »KangarooJack
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:08pmDear 1st Lady- STAY AWAY FROM MY FOOD AND WHAT I DRINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »RamonPreston
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 11:11pmRight on
Report Post »godhatesacoward
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:07pmYeah right Moo! Things getting tense at 1900?
Report Post »Inlightofthings
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:17pm1600…unless I’m missing something.
Report Post »godhatesacoward
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:39pmyep. Brain fart.
Report Post »