By Sierra Sherburn Posted March 3, 2010
Lawmakers are cracking the whip on America’s health for 2010, but are they taking it too far? After reading an article on cnn.com, I believe they are. In Texas, it is now illegal for anyone under the age of 16 and a half years old to go to a tanning bed. Teens between 16 and a half and 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Another new law that is now in California is the prohibition of using any oils, margarine, and shortening that have more than half a gram of trans fat per serving. Also, there is no smoking allowed in any bar or restaurant in North Carolina starting this year.
Tanning beds are ridiculous. Seriously, has anybody heard of the sun? Although I do believe people have the right to use a tanning bed no matter the age. I do not see the reason why Texas felt the need to put an age limit on tanning beds. Skin problems later in life do come to mind, but if someone wants to tan then they are going to tan. The law shouldn’t control how you tan.
Another new law that I do not understand is the banning of foods with more than half a gram of trans fat in one serving for California restaurants. Why are restaurants being held responsible for our health? We choose where we want to eat, and what we want to eat. We should be accountable for what amount of trans fat we take in, not the restaurants. They should be able to cook whatever they please and make it as fatty as they want.
Along with the other laws, the government also decided to put in no smoking in any bar or restaurant in North Carolina. A lot of places have already banned it inside of their business, but some do allow it. I am not for smoking, nor do I think people should smoke, but it should be left up to the businesses if they want to allow it or not. Why turn the business owners into police for smokers?
The government is getting way too involved in people’s personal choices. It seems as if they are taking over the role of parenting. Step over parents, because the government is on its way.
