It’s a good thing Mayor Michael Bloomberg lives in New York City.

     If someone in the South were to make the same suggestion that he did about large-sized drinks, they’d be run out of town on a rail.

     Bloomberg recently said he wanted to ban sugary drinks that were larger than 16 fluid ounces in New York City.

     Here in the South, that ban would probably include just about every size of drink offered at any fast-food restaurant except maybe a child’s size.

     I have a feeling Bloomberg has been listening to some of the congressional Democrats who wanted to impose a federal tax on soda during health care negotiations a few years back. That didn’t sit too well with the public then, either.

     I admire Bloomberg’s determination to save the world from obesity, bad health, cavities and anything else associated with too many sugary drinks, but it’s not his decision.

     I drink a lot of fluids … mostly water. Occasionally, I drink soft drinks or sweet tea. I especially like my gourmet cups of coffee, which usually come in 16 ounce cups.

     I’ve known people who drink several cans of soda a day and are the size of bean poles. Then I see people who drink nothing but diet drinks and water and yet they can still stand to lose a few pounds.

     Does it really matter?

     I’m all for a healthier lifestyle, but is it up to Mayor Bloomberg to decide for everyone?

     I don’t think so. I think it’s a matter of personal choice. I mean, really, if he’s going to ban the size of drinks, does that also mean he’s going to ban refills, too?

     If one wants to drink more than one 16 ounce beverage while consuming a meal at a restaurant, that’s their business. Some people just naturally drink more than other people.

     In the days that followed Bloomberg’s announcement, he defended his idea by comparing his drink restriction to smoking back in the 1960s. At one time people scoffed at the idea that smoking would cause health problems.

     Do I really think sugary soda pops are going to kill me? No, not unless someone fills my bathtub with Pepsi and holds me under.

     Anything can be bad for you if used or abused in excess. Even drinking water can be bad for you … if you consume too much of it.

     I will admit, there is an obesity problem in the U.S., but do I think sugary drinks are to blame? Not likely. If Bloomberg were to get his way and large sodas are banned, I’m sure those who wished to drink more than 16 ounces would find a way around that rule.

     I wonder what the cola companies think of Bloomberg’s idea? I bet they are all about to pop their tops!

     And why stop at sodas? The next thing you know Bloomberg will be banning high-calorie desserts, pizzas, chocolate and potato chips.

     Where will it end?

     I’m sure the fast-food industry giants are circling the wagons as we speak and are pouring more and more dollars into lobbyists’ pockets.

     If Bloomberg is successful, there would be no more Big Gulps, no more supersizing and no more venti-sized cups at Starbucks.

     I see a lot of thirsty people in New York’s future.

     I say we save the Big Gulps and venti-sized drinks from extinction, and say no to Mayor Bloomberg’s ban on sugary drinks.

     Who’s with me?

     And how was your week?

     Lifestyles Editor Tammie Brewer can be reached at The DAILY LEADER at (601) 833-6961 ext. 134, by e-mail at tbrewer@dailyleader.com or you can write to her at P.O. Box 551, Brookhaven MS 39602.