Catfish beignets, curly fries smothered in cheese, pierogies with sour cream, beer-battered artichoke hearts, and fried dough buried in berry sauce and whipped cream -- all part of the traditional Taste of Chicago and all contributing to Chicago's reputation for being one of the 'fattest' cities in the US. And if Edward M. Burke, Chicago City Councilman since 1969, has his way it will be illegal for restaurants to use oils that contain trans fats, which have been tied to a string of health problems, including clogged arteries and heart attacks.
But even Mayor Richard M. Daley, who often promotes bicycle riding and who not long ago appointed a city health commissioner who announced he was creating health “report cards” for the mayor and the aldermen, has balked at a trans-fat prohibition as one rule too many.
What do you think? I love Chicago, it's my favorite city, and I'll like to see it be more healthy -- but does this go overboard? Or is it in the same category as banning smoking in public places? It brings up a host of legal and ethical questions, what role does government play in regulating lifestyle? And if I consciously choose to smoke or eat trans fats, can I really expect society to pay for my care? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this matter...
1 comment:
It’s interesting that Mr. Keith mentioned Prohibition, because I struggle to see a true difference between, for example, banning trans fats and banning alcohol. It’s easy to discuss how both are lifestyle choices that burden our healthcare system, thereby affecting us all. It could be argued that consuming alcohol is, in fact, a greater threat given its potential for direct harm to others (e.g., drunk driving victims). And obviously our drink is here to stay.
In my eyes, the concept of banning trans fats is ludicrous and could be discriminatory. Still, I think it’s important that our elected officials consider ways to strong-arm fast food restaurants into replacing trans fats with healthier alternatives, and public education seems to be somewhat effective. (Have you seen McDonald’s menu lately?) An outright ban seems very paternalistic indeed.
Then again, I’m the type that wears a seatbelt but smarts at the fact that the law says I have to. I’ll take a side of onion rings with my beer, please.
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