I read with interest Sarah Beth Jones’ column supporting a ban on trans fats in today’s N&R. I was impressed that she took into consideration the economic impact such a ban would have on consumers. But what the hell, she concluded, go ahead and ban the artery-clogging bastards:
While no one wants a governmental finger in our Crisco-laden pie, part of government’s job is to protect us, be it from terrorism, drunken drivers or even our own ignorance. That said, I don’t like to think of a trans fat ban in Guilford County, but I tend to think one is necessary for the ongoing health of our community.
Late last year, Richard Posner analyzed NYC’s trans fat ban up one side and down the other. When it’s all said and done, Posner concludes:
My cost-benefit analysis is, necessarily, highly tentative. However, it inclines me to a sympathetic view of the trans-fats ban. I anticipate strong opposition from libertarians.
No kidding. But to tell the truth, I think such a ban would have more of an effect on overall health of the population in high-density city like New York, where people rely more on restaurant food. But I question such an effect on a sprawling, low-density, more family-oriented population like Guilford County, where more people eat at home. So in order to save Guilford County residents from their own ignorance, a trans fat ban on all foods would be necessary. That’s a losing battle, I think. Never be surprised at what government will try to ban.
But here’s the real question: Why do the supposedly enlightened residents of NYC need to be saved from their own ignorance?
