Few turn out to rally against mayor's soda ban
Protesters in opposition to Bloomberg's soda ban at " Million Big Gulp March" (Linda Rosier) Credit: Protesters in opposition to Bloomberg's soda ban at " Million Big Gulp March" (Linda Rosier)
The "Million Big Gulp March" didn't live up to its name as barely 50 protesters showed up outside City Hall Monday.
Zach Huff, a spokesman for NYC Liberty, the grassroots group that organized the event, said many New Yorkers are not thrilled that Mayor Michael Bloomberg is going to ban sugary drinks greater than 16 ounces from most eateries and food stores.
"If this is the best thing for the people, let the people decide," he said.
The city Department of Health is slated to hear public comments about the plan in two weeks and would enact it next year if approved.
The rally didn't seem to faze the mayor. "If you want to kill yourself, I guess you have a right to do it," he said at an event earlier in the day.
Among the protesters were Council members Letitia James, Melissa Mark-Viverito and Dan Halloran.
"I believe in education and I believe in people's rights," James said.
The mayor did have one proponent at the rally.
Roman Shusterman, 31, of Staten Island, held a sign that read "Obesity is not a sign of Liberty."
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