A Clash Of Democrat Interest Groups - NYC's Big Gulp Ban Slammed As Racist.

Its paternalistic government versus minority interest groups on the issue of regulating soft drink serving sizes.

I can see the headline now once this ban fully implemented: Soft drink sizes regulated, women and minorities hardest hit.

The Detroit News: Foes of New York City's soda size limit doubt racial fairness

The NAACP's New York state branch and the Hispanic Federation have joined beverage makers and sellers effort in trying to stop the rule from taking effect March 12. With a hearing set Wednesday, critics are attacking what they call an inconsistent and undemocratic regulation, while city officials and health experts defend it as a pioneering and proper move to fight obesity.

The issue is complex for the minority advocates, especially given obesity rates that are higher than average among blacks and Hispanics, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control. The groups say in court papers they're concerned about the discrepancy, but the soda rule will unduly harm minority businesses and "freedom of choice in low-income communities."

The article helpfully notes that the regulation doesn't actually limit big gulp sizes as convenience stores are exempt from the ban, as are certain drinks themselves such as alcohol, juice, and milk based drinks. On the other hand, small restaurants, many run by minorities are going to be hit by the ban.

Ah the fun Democrats have when racial politics and maternalistic government collide...