Read “Critical Thinking – Case 11: A Spoonful of Sugar” (pp. 304-305), then answer the questions below:

1. Do you agree with Mayor Bloomberg’s viewpoint and policy direction about banning sugar‐laden drinks or do you agree with the court ruling that overturned the ban? What reasons can you provide for your position?

2. We have rules that, in essence, limit the consumption of alcohol when someone is driving because of the social costs of drinking and driving. Is the issue of limiting the consumption of sugary sodas the same as limiting the consumption of alcohol? How are these two situations the same and how are they different?

3. The line that is drawn between the philosophical positions on individual versus collective rights is different for everyone. Some are closer to supporting individual rights and some closer to supporting societal rights. Where do you stand in this debate? What has influenced your thinking?

4. If you had a magic wand, are there other bans you would place on consumer goods? Or would you use your magic wand to erase some bans away?