The dumbest thing I've heard all day.

I came across this article today. Los Angeles city councilwoman Jan Perry, apparently concerned about her district's waistline, has proposed legislation that would create up to a two-year moratorium on new fast food restaurants in the area. It seems that the residents of the South L.A. district she represents have higher instances of obesity compared to the rest of the county. So in an attempt to remedy this problem, she has suggested...no more fast food. Not a community education program, not working to increase awareness regarding diet and nutrition, but a ban on new fast-food restaurants.

This idea is misguided at best, and at its worst, is a perfect example of unnecessary governmental intervention. Even if there's a higher-than-average number of fast food restaurants in the area, people choose to eat there. Furthermore, let's not forget that many such establishments now offer things like salad or fruit-which means people also choose what they eat while there. Anyone could tell you that a salad is better for you than a triple cheeseburger with a large order of fries. It's a matter of what people choose to do-and this is not to mention that one could just as easily eat at home, or take a meal to work.

Without getting into a lengthy discussion on the role of government in our society, I can say the following with certainty: I don't need the government playing the role of nanny-saving me from Arby's by means of legislation. Any reasonably intelligent person should be able to say the same. This is a case where the intent is noble enough-protect people from the adverse health effects of obesity. However, banning something as basic as where a person can eat is completely the wrong approach. Do some outreach. Give people information on a healthy lifestyle. Provide them with the tools they need to make an informed decision. Don't insult their intelligence (or mine) by doing otherwise.