However, one can only wonder if the FDA's banning of these beverages is taking one step too far. Cigarettes have been linked to deadly diseases for decades, yet the FDA only places a warning label on them - a label they could easily place on caffeinated alcoholic beverages as well. Why is there a difference between the two? Why can't people choose for themselves if they are willing to risk their physical safety for the consumption of this beverage?
I saw a clear resemblance between this ban and the San Francisco ban of toys in McDonald's "Happy Meals," due to the fact that some saw the toys as incentives for children to eat unhealthy food. (CommuniKATE tackles this issue in her blog here.) I can't help but think that both of these situations are cases of the government overstepping its regulatory bounds. People should choose for themselves what they eat, drink, and smoke, and if they want to get a little "Loko" and put their physical well being at risk, then they should be able to.
I have also written two blog posts about the issue in San Francisco with the McDonald's Happy Meals. I completely agree with your argument in that I feel that to a reasonable degree, the government needs to stay out. If people want to drink that, it should be their choice and then they should accept the associated consequences. The only reason cigarettes are legal in the first place is because of the enormous tax revenue they provide to the government. The extent of hypocrisy illuminated by these issues is extraordinary. Overall, solid post.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Jared (and yourself as well) on this one. THis is an issue where the government needs to understand that it is not their job to play the role of parent here. Not only does the banning of FourLoko bring enormous questions surrounding hypocrisy over other alcohol related products, its also begs the question of at what point does it become ok for the government to step into our health restrictions. In this case, with a substance that is legal and controlled, banning on of the available products sets far too vicious of a double standard.
ReplyDeleteLet me drink in peace!
Along with Jared and Kate, I have also written several posts pertaining to one's personal responsibility vs. government oversight. Without question, this is yet another example of those in Washington thinking they know what's best for us and imposing their own judgement through law and legislation. Senator Chuck Schumer, the Senior Senator from New York, was a major advocate for the FDA and the federal government against Four Loko...and he explained that the governments motivation behind the ban was to protect "the young people" from the harmful mixture of caffeine and alcohol. I'm assuming that the distinguished senator is referring to us "young people" as those who can vote, die for our country overseas, and consume alcohol legally...but, apparently are not mature enough to make our own decisions.
ReplyDeleteI agree that "to a reasonable degree, the government needs to stay out". To flat out ban a legal and controlled substance, partially to quell growing concerns in a certain segment of the population, is flat out wrong. I think if the FDA were to rule that there needs to be mandatory warning labels on caffeinated alcoholic beverages, fine. As long as there policies and decisions are uniform and standard across the board, I have no problem with that. But I do agree that the banning of FourLoko is somewhat hypocritical and that the ban should be revoked.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you in that the government is going to far with the banning of Four Loko. It should be the decision of the individual whether or not they want to be putting alcohol and caffeine into their body.
ReplyDeleteThis drink is no different from consuming a "Redbull Vodka" cocktail or any other concoction containing caffeine and alcohol.
The FDA should notify people of the dangers of this combination and they should put warning labels on FourLoko cans that relay this message, but banning the FourLoko from the market is just flat out wrong.
Let the people get "Loko" if they want.