The American Spectator

Ret. Marine| 3.12.10 @ 6:23AM

A typical "do as I say not what I do" wanna look importent to someone, anyone. Geeeez, give it a break for once will yah bloombugger.
Choices are us. I make my own choices, well at least in my case my Doctor and I. But nonetheless I can over ride his decision too.
This is somehow an issue with the American Public, how? Good guad, like maybe the good mayor needs to put this type of effort into the cesspool known as N.Y. politics and keep his nose on his own personal choices, not up our back sides. So typical of a progressive, what's next, how to really bury the bodies of those peole who desperatly needed to be wacked for telling the truth about personal choices?

Alan Brooks| 3.12.10 @ 12:39PM

Gitmo detainees are ingesting too much sodium, they ought to be released and sent to San Francisco so they can dine with the Hare Krishnas.

PoliticalRectum| 3.12.10 @ 4:05PM

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
IF THEY OUTLAW SALT, WHAT ARE WE GOING TO PUT ON OUR WATERMELONS?
this goes right along with MObamama "diet" plan. Maybe "double wide" ought to worry about her own a$$ and let us take care of our self.
The left just can't stop, are they on drugs?
from a So CA Norco boy.

Dave| 3.12.10 @ 7:38PM

You know the Republicans and conservatives keep saying that their opposition to Obama isn't racist, but we keep seeing references to "watermelons." Hmmm, I wonder what that's about .... Add in some remarks about Michelle Obama's figure and you pretty much have the perfect profile for these folks. Nice job --- you're a real piece of work -- so many prejudices in such a small space.

liz| 3.12.10 @ 7:48PM

Everyone in the South eats watermelon w/ salt . White, black, and purple united in a singular love of watermelon w/ salt.

Mel Torme| 3.12.10 @ 9:16PM

Well, almost, the light purple people eat more beef and watermelon, while the dark purple people eat more fried chicken and watermelon.

Really, I am from, and live in, the South and have never put salt on watermelon. However, I have seen people put brown sugar in grits, and that just ain't too cool. (Those people weren't from around here, though, of course - the same people who say "where's the Dunkin Donuts at?" "It's Krispe Kreme around here, Yankee, now when did you say you're headed home?")

Lighten up, Dave! People say Michelle Obama is fat because she is fat. Fat people come in all colors too.

John| 3.13.10 @ 1:58AM

I'm a white, life long New Yorker (which is nothing to be proud of), and I like salt on watermelon. But you can't add salt to any food you want. Have you ever tried to turn bread sticks into pretzels? The salt falls off the log.

Jeremiah| 3.13.10 @ 2:26PM

Could you get over the race obsession you silly twits on the left? Early on, my son-in-law and I got into an argument. After a bit, he pooched out his lip (uh-oh, that may be racist) and asked me, "Is it because I'm black?" I barked back, "No, it's because you're an ass." We both busted out laughing and he said that usually works with white folks.

Noting my fondness for KFC he told me that if the kids loved watermelon, that was on him,,,but if they had a big thing for fried chicken, that would be on me.

You dumbasses on the left can't figure out the world moved on decades ago and the only people lefdt obsessed with race are you. And as my son-in-law would gladly testify, you don't really give a damn - you just use it as a trump card.

Frank Lee| 3.13.10 @ 7:50PM

I guess Dave missed Dan Rather's comments about Obama unable to sell watermelons. You're a real nice piece of work, keeping up with current events.

PoliticalRectum| 3.14.10 @ 12:16AM

The real point is this. I DON'T NEED THE GOVERNMENT TELLING ME WHAT I NEED TO EAT AND WHAT I DON'T NEED TO EAT. SMOKING, TAXED BECAUSE IT "COST THE TAXPAYER" MONEY. I PAY FOR MY INSURANCE. HELMET LAWS? MY HEAD. SEAT BELT? MY LIFE. SALT? NO PROOF THAT IT GIVES YOU HIGH BLOOD PREASURE,,,, NONE PEOPLE....
UNLESS THEY PASS THIS BILL, THEN THEY CONTROL YOUR EVERY DOING... EXCEPT "DOUBLE WIDE'S" DIET.... MOST OF YOU LIBS WANT POT LEGAL. MAKE UP YOUR MIND WHAT YOU WANT, FREEDOM TO DO DRUGS OR ALLOW ME TO SMOKE.
NEXT,,,,, BOILED PEANUTS, IT'S THE FARMERS CANDY TO A SOUTHERN BOY. OH, CAN I SAY "BOY" OR IS THAT TOO RACIST YOU PC $HIT HEADS....

Mel Torme| 3.14.10 @ 3:22PM

True dat, Mr. Rectum. However, John, Liz, and I were just having an off-topic discussion on the taste of certain foods with or without salt.

But you are right about all your points.

AS AN EXAMPLE, IF MAYOR BLOOMBERG DECIDES THAT THERE SHOULD BE A LAW PROHIBITING all caps IN BLOG POSTS, HE CAN KISS MY ASS, TOO. EVEN THOUGH I PERSONALLY THINK THIS IS VERY RUDE AND HARD TO READ, THE GOVERNMENT OF NY AND NYC SHOULD STAY THE ____ OUT OF IT.

Man, it ain't easy to write like that either!

Pray for this latest government take-over to be stopped this week, if you can't go to Washington City on Tuesday. I don't think there will be any way back from this. These things don't get repealed except via violence.

serfer62| 3.14.10 @ 9:06PM

Dave grow up. Enough of this PC Cr@p. Madam First Lady does have a wide azz. Its YOU who call racist at the slightest assumed comment and is a dead give away as a DNC rep.
No, you are the real piece of work, its the PC crowd that are the racists, idiots is just a bonus for you

Alan Brooks| 3.14.10 @ 4:45PM

Seriously, by the end of Obama's second term the Gitmo detainees will be having low sodium feta cheese in their falafels. Sign me up, in 2015 and 2016 I'll stay at Gitmo, Allah willing, and eat like a sheik. No joke, it will be a good deal. Low sodium falafels, gyros, baclava.
Can't beat it with a stick.

serfer62| 3.14.10 @ 9:09PM

What, no shalik?

Tomas| 3.12.10 @ 3:18PM

In the midst of their continuing effort to make the rest of society live the way they want us to live, the "progressives" in New York fail to understand that salt is a necessary nutrient that every living animal needs in order to survive. It's nutritional science 101.

Demonizing salt is no different than demonizing carbon dioxide. If we had neither we wouldn't be alive.

Stupidity on parade. Again, I ask people who elect these morons: "Had enough yet?" Judging from the never-ending incumbency of these fools, apparently not.

-

Bruce| 3.12.10 @ 3:38PM

You beat me to it, Tomas - I was just saying the same thing to my wife and our friends who run the diner we breakfast in most weekdays. Anyone who had science in junior high school knows salt is required in your diet.

That aside - just who the hell appointed these damned politicians as our guardians anyway? It's none of their business what - or how much of - what we eat.

Bloombergs time would be better spent trying to lose 20 pounds off his body and getting in shape himself before he worries about anyone else. Bloated body - bloated sense of worth. IOW, a typical politician.

Jennifer DiDonato| 3.13.10 @ 8:56AM

Let's not take this article to the extreme. It states that they want to "cut the amount of salt in processed foods by 20% in the next 5 years", not eliminate it all together! Of course salt is important to our bodies, but I think we can spare the extra that we are consuming. I think it's a good idea for the government to step in and set guidelines.

Bruce| 3.13.10 @ 11:48AM

Check your reading interpretive skills. What does this say? "prohibit restaurants from using salt when preparing customers' meals." A restaurant would be fined $1,000 each time a chef cooked with salt." Does that say "cut the amount of salt in processed foods by 20% in the next 5 years"? No - it does not. Bloombergs deal is - so far - voluntary, but note he also says they MIGHT have to use legislation. The bill proposed by Ortiz wants to BAN use of salt in restaurant cooking outright, with penalties for violators.

Where in the Constitution so many people pay scant attention to these days does it give politicians the right to legislate food consumption?

Singe| 3.16.10 @ 5:50PM

"just who the hell appointed these damned politicians as our guardians anyway?"

We did. It's called voting and representative democracy.

Silver Fang| 4.14.10 @ 5:54PM

Yes, but we vote for them to represent us and execute our will, not to impose their will on us.

james| 3.13.10 @ 6:00AM

I hope your joking. we need vitamins and too and there's hypervitaminosis

old white guy| 3.13.10 @ 12:58PM

thomas. you are right. it is like trying to live without co2.

PoliticalRectum| 3.12.10 @ 4:01PM

How long does it take to get posted here? Do I need to "know" somebody? lol
when will it ever stop all the I know best for you crap by the left. And they thought that Bush was a thorn... I sure do miss the man now.
Next they will outlaw "Gnat Butter" too...

basur| 10.27.10 @ 6:38AM

Bloomberg's infantile megolamania shows him to be the overbearing piece of refuse that he is. The sad part of it is that idiot New Yorkers keep voting him in office and then grouse and complain after they do. Elections do have consequences, don't they?

basur| 10.27.10 @ 6:38AM

Mika B on Morning Joe is always wanting to ban certain types of food/drink. Ban liberal-progressives!

Brian Mc| 3.12.10 @ 6:50AM

..."And this report, just in, no one gets out alive...everyone dies."

Might be that Mr. B could stop worrying about physical health and focus on the spiritual...since the body declines while the spirit will grow and improve, if given the chance, for all eternity. But, then again, this might be outside his pay grade.

martin j smith| 3.12.10 @ 7:37AM

Q: What is the connection between Salt and Cimategate ? A: Money
Also the idea that human beings can change the behavior of hundreds of millions of people plus the idea that humans aout to try to "save" lives and actually can thru a nutrition intervention so to speak. Boiling it down--arrogance. pure and simple same. In Climategate, their are recognized lies and distortions and pure dishonesty. In salt just as in climate gate there a one size fits all,never mind the caviar or the private jets and limos our ruling "elite" have available.

elainej| 3.12.10 @ 7:38AM

I guess he's like Biden, being mayor of NY is easy, there is nothing to do--he's bored. This is ridiculous. Just like Obama sticking his nose in fishing and NCAA football--when did politicians become experts in EVERYTHING??

Government is the one that needs to be on a diet for obesity--and they need to take a class in common sense/reality.

Richard Baker| 3.12.10 @ 7:49AM

Bloomberg's infantile megolamania shows him to be the overbearing piece of refuse that he is. The sad part of it is that idiot New Yorkers keep voting him in office and then grouse and complain after they do. Elections do have consequences, don't they?

Bruce| 3.12.10 @ 3:40PM

Richard - as much as i agree with your description of Blooberg, may I point out that he is not elected by "New Yorkers", but by New York CITY residents. The difference is vast, and us upstaters and Long Islanders object strenuously to being included in the cities riff-raff.

Thank you:)

Roger| 3.12.10 @ 8:09AM

I can see it now, ban salt and in front of every NYrestaurant there will be scruffy guy in a trenchcoat holding the front open and whipering to customers headed for the door, "Got salt?" and his coat will be lined with sea salt shakers. What a joke.

Mattled| 3.12.10 @ 8:25AM

I think New Yorkers should demand to see and test every meal that Nanny Bloomberg eats.

J.C.Eaton| 3.12.10 @ 8:36AM

This bs is truly remarkable. Obamacare seeks to end life at both ends, and this self-congratulatory twit wants to prolong it? At least ostensibly. Do these liberal dumb bastards ever talk to each other?

JP| 3.12.10 @ 8:36AM

The City of New York faces a whole host of serious problems (rapidly expanding entitlement spending, large falls in tax revenue, a drop off in tourism, infrastructure and education problems , etc..). So what does the mayor do? He declares war on salt! Yes, that will do wonders! What's next? Banning Booze? Why doesn't the mayor just order all restaurants, clubs, fast food joints, and taverns to move out of the Big Apple? He could make the Big Apple Tourism Free. Manhatten then could be converted into a smoke free, whole foods Nirvana. That's what he wants, isn't it?

Lullaby's, Legends and Lies| 3.12.10 @ 8:44AM

Don't you all know, that salt causes Global Warming? It does, and that's why it needs to be eliminated now, and the science is settled on this matter (no need to ask anymore questions about it, just move along). This "salt ban" is not about making people healthier, it's all about saving the Planet. Come on now People, get with the program already!! Didn't you all see what happened this winter, with all the snow, and the cold, what the hell do you think that all meant, huh? It was Global Warming, caused by the evil salt condiment!!

But then again, pepper causes Global Warming too, and so does hot sauce, and whip cream, and bacon bits, and sprinkles, and ketchup, and last but certainly not least, so does butter. It's the condiment conundrum we're facing here with Global Warming, they're all so very tasty, yet so very deadly!! What are we to do? Hmm? I'm hungry now!!

Louis Jenkins| 3.12.10 @ 8:46AM

Sodium Chloride is a precious substance in the absence of currency or valuable metals. Maybe Bloomberg is preparing for government control of salt with the oft forecaste collapse of the US economy. Nothing wrong with getting a leg up on the middle class, since he is an elite ruling class type. Just like health care- rationing of salt all in the name of cutting costs and preserving life.

Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 3.12.10 @ 8:51AM

Keep letting these Fascists run the train and soon you'll be eating carrots and lettuce.

KG1| 3.12.10 @ 9:09AM

Wait until the government gets control of health care. We will then be given all sorts of restrictions or taxed in the name of saving lives or reducing medical costs. Don't believe it? It has already started.

JohnR22| 3.12.10 @ 9:14AM

I remember during the abortion wars of the 70s the Left claimed "conservatives want the govt in your bedroom". Oh, the irony! It now appears the Left wants the govt Nanny encsonced in every room of your house; the kitchen (salt/sugar), the garage (ban SUVs/fuel consumption), the living room (no booze/tobacco; govt control of tv), and yes...the bedroom (gay rights/safe sex). There is literally no area of human existance that the Left doesn't want to regulate...and tax. Yesterday's communists have morphed into today's socialist untopianists.

saleboter| 3.12.10 @ 9:40AM

Get out of my kitchen you A$$ Clown

Doctor Right| 3.12.10 @ 9:45AM

This is beyond idiotic.

First of all, it is NO ONE'S business how much salt I eat, so get you damned hands off of my food you nanny-state bastards!!

Secondly, as a cooking-enthusiast (or, a "Wanna'-Be Chef", take your pick...), I understand that some recipes REQUIRE salt in the preparation mode...Simply allowing (and isn't that magnanimous..? "Allowing"...Think about it) patrons to add their own salt to the meal once it arrives at the table is insufficient, as well as stupid!!

Third, and finally, I-LIKE-SALT!!! I put it in EVERYTHING, even salted pork. Some people like their food extra spicey...I like it extra salty, and my blood pressure is a perfect 120/80, and has been for 20 years!!

This is EXACTLY what happens when a government, be it local, state, or federal, feels emboldened by circumstance to seize more and more power for themselves, and more and more control of our lives.

I'd like to tell Bloomberg and all of these nanny-state what I really think of them...I'd like to say "You g******* mother******* better cut the s*** and cut it real f****** soon, 'cuz there's a tidal wave of anti-big government sentiment rolling through this country, and if you're not careful, you're going to drown in it real f****** quick!"

I'd like to say that...But that would be innappropriate.

Alaskan for Global Warming| 3.12.10 @ 12:39PM

I'd like to say it right with you. want to know what raises MY blood pressure? Liberals, socialists, democrats, RINOs, OBAMA, PELOSIE, Biden, etc………SO, CAN WE PLEASE OUTLAW THEM ????????????????

Leonard J Niedziela| 3.13.10 @ 8:39PM

I am sorry but you are going to be fined $5 for putting too many n's in inappropriate. We are watching you. :-)

Randall Sikes MD| 3.12.10 @ 9:46AM

Those who fear government intrusion in our lives are correct, but we are forgetting that the food processing companies are making our food unhealthy. The millions of us with congestive heart failure and other conditions that require salt restriction find it very difficult to find healthy food. Processed food and restaurant food account for about 80% of the salt in the average American's diet. The added salt is everywhere. Those of us who need to avoid the salt can't because the salt is already added to the food.

I say let's provide some "gentle" regulation so that those of us who want (and need) to avoid the salt can. Right now we can't avoid the salt - it's everywhere in the food supply. For those who want the salt - great, just add your own salt. But please allow me to avoid the salt.

Wake up! A little "gentle" regulation can go a long way toward allowing us to make healthy choices. Right now we can't make healthy choices because the combination of an ignorant population and market-driven food processors are already making unhealthy choices for all of us.

wyn| 3.12.10 @ 10:57AM

But no one is holding a gun to my head to buy the stupid, tasteless processed food. Open a cookbook and cook. But don't tell me what I can or cannot eat. Besides, I learned in school that we're a bag full of salty water and few minerals.

Louis Jenkins| 3.12.10 @ 11:10AM

Dear MD:

I add my own salt to my food and in low amounts, when I cook I cut the salt measurement in half or don't use it at all, and I seldom eat commercial food out of a can. But, let's be honest, salt is used as a preservative. I can and pickle a lot of vegetables from my garden, and if you follow the directions, salt is part of the receipe. I use Agava sweetener instead of substitutes, or sugar. Yet why do low salt products at the supermarket cost more? If something is taken out of a product shouldn't the production costs be less? Changing the salt concentration in a brine would be relatively easy I would think but would the product last as long?

I think the major problem the folks have here is with "gentle" regulation- like the camel getting his nose under the tent. It will eventually equal more hardcore regulation and our illustrious political leaders in the District of Crimminals have shown no reservations about doing just that.

Cicero| 3.12.10 @ 2:47PM

Physician, heal thyself. But please, no matter how ignorant you think we are, leave us alone to decide for ourselves. We are quite up to the task. A ban on adding salt is not "gentle" regulation. It is a ban. It is another example of unacceptable government intrusion.

Douglas Fletcher| 3.12.10 @ 3:23PM

How'd you like a gentle enema to help you clear your mind of these paternalistic thoughts?

Mountain Mom| 3.12.10 @ 6:05PM

The answer is simple........eat at HOME. Why should the nation have to live with increased government regulation, increased operating costs, and decreased taste for those with bad health. If you have high blood pressure, or congestive heart failure, or....... it is likely much safer and healthier if you make your meals, appropriate for your life circumstance, at HOME. Just quit eating out at restaurants if they don't have what you like. I am sick and tired of the 'few' ruling the 'many'!!!!!

John| 3.13.10 @ 2:06AM

Hey, hey, hey now, the sick aren't asking to be regulated. They're told what to do by their doctors. Then it's up to them to DECIDE what to do for themselves. They don't want nanny politicos doing for them either!

John Navratil| 3.12.10 @ 8:27PM

Here is the gentle regulation. A label which tells you how much salt (sodium) is in the prepared food.

Now it's up to you to decide whether on not to buy it. Just as it is up to you to choose between broccoli and cauliflower for tonight's dinner.

However, just as it is not necessary for a product to carry the UL (underwriter's lab) seal, or the "Good Housekeeping" seal, a vendor should be able to decline to list ingredients or other dietary data. Then you can choose to reject those who do not play to your satisfaction.

Ret. Marine| 3.14.10 @ 1:21PM

News flash there dude, try draining the water from those canned good once. Makes a hugh difference.

Kenneth E. MacAlister Jr.| 3.14.10 @ 3:30PM

With all due respect doctor, stuff it! I don't need idiots in Washington, state, or local government telling me how to eat & what I can & can't eat. Do you want the Nanny State to wipe your posterior area as well? Idiot!

Ken (Old Texican)| 3.12.10 @ 9:50AM

Hey guys,
The Mayor has created 25,000 new jobs.....
.....salt drying and smuggling.... and street corner distribution.

Hardcard| 3.12.10 @ 9:58AM

bloomy is a billionare crook (Goldman Sachs) etc. there is a buck in this stew he's cooking up. Can soros (his pal) be far behind?

DevilDogRet of Hampton| 3.12.10 @ 10:03AM

Mika B on Morning Joe is always wanting to ban certain types of food/drink. Ban liberal-progressives!

Mike Zarowitz| 3.12.10 @ 10:05AM

If the government is going to give this money for schools to provide meals, then it is not unreasonable for the government to require the food has some health aspect to it.

Silver Fang| 4.14.10 @ 6:35PM

The issue isn't with school lunches. The issue is with private restaurants being told they can't use the ingredients they see fit.

Ned| 3.12.10 @ 10:28AM

I can't wait for, or at least hope, (there’s that word) that the Nanny State will pass laws restricting our salt intake.
I live about 150 miles away from Utah's Great Salt Lake. I will wait until it is nice and warm weather and then deck myself out like Mahatma Gandhi complete with bed sheet and walking stick and lead demonstrators to the shores of the lake where we will make salt in protest. Maybe this is what I was born to do. Oh yeah, I'll shave my head and sport a bald pate, covered with sunblock, of course.

Seapuss| 3.12.10 @ 10:30AM

I hope all you self-professed, libertarian anti-nanny-staters are also against governmentally-imposed indoor smoking bans, whenever and wherever they are brought up. That is the camel's nose that brings the rest of the foul nanny-state beast into the tent. Indeed, the NYC smoking ban is how Bloomberg cut his teeth as a government health scold.

TunnelRat | 3.12.10 @ 10:39AM

Government is completely corrupt. Why doesn't Bloomberg ban dangerous additives like aspartame or fluoride? Perhaps because these additives are big money makers, and salt, on the other hand, is plentiful.

Louis Jenkins| 3.12.10 @ 11:17AM

Here, Here, T Rat. I may have end up with Alzheimers but I'll have good blood pressure. And if indoor resturant smoking is so objectionable, I'll just not eat there.

George S| 3.12.10 @ 10:49AM

I agree with Mayor Bloomberg that salt intake is a problem with those afflicted with illness. And I also agree with those who would like to see some "gentle" regulations to limit salt in foods. The solution is simple: anyone - including the mayor - who thinks that there is a demand for salt-free foods should pool his capital with other like-minded martyrs and start their own salt-free restaurant. It will be such a success (after all, we need regulation to satisfy the huge demand for salt-free cooking) that new jobs will be created as these restaurants expand. What a win-win situation: the mayor gets to feed people salt-free foods, while at the same time increasing the tax payer rolls and - the best part - he gets rewarded for his risk by making money. What am I missing?

JP| 3.12.10 @ 12:01PM

"I agree with Mayor Bloomberg that salt intake is a problem with those afflicted with illness. And I also agree with those who would like to see some "gentle" regulations to limit salt in foods."

But is that really the concern of a municipal government? Mayors and the city councils are administrators of the public sphere at its lowest levels. The mayor's job is keep the streets paved, the trash picked up, the police and fire departments running, etc... But Bloomberg doesn't see himself as any public employee. He sees himself as some kind of benevolent King. He has some fixation with health that is not only wierd, but creepy. The Big Apple is in slow decay. If its citizens continue to tolerate people like Bloomberg, it won't be too long before NYC goes the way of another once proud metropolis - Detroit.

Silver Fang| 4.14.10 @ 6:56PM

The last thing New York wants is a mayor like Kwame!

L.E. Powers| 3.12.10 @ 10:55AM

It is a simple commodities play. Get demand to fall and corner the market. When people realize it is all a hoax, the demand rises again and, voila! Mr. Billionaire Mayor makes another killing as a salt baron!

SAMLineberger| 3.12.10 @ 11:15AM

Let's remove all the joy out of life, so we can live a bleak life a year or so longer. I for one would rather enjoy the spice in life than stretch a dull and depraved one a bit longer. Once we go down the government entitlement health care route, the government will feel fully justified in controlling every morsel that passes our lips. When to salt may not seem like much, but it is all part of a terrifying mentality that is stripping us from our most fundamental liberties.

Northern Rebel| 3.12.10 @ 11:33AM

Old Tex: Funny!

Not so funny:

This is what draws people like Bloomberg, a highly successful businessman to politics:
CONTROL!

These egotists want to inflict their beliefs and opinions on those they consider lesser mortals.

I have an expression I use humorously to tease my family, and friends:

"If everybody on Earth was more like me, the world would be a better place!"

You know, I kinda believe that to be true, but people like Bloomberg, and "President" Anti-Christ feel they are empowered by some higher force, to compel us to act the way they want us to.

They are so much smarter than the great unwashed, that we should be honored that they took time out of their important lives to give us advice. Gee thanks, bud!

In the old days, these arrogant bastards would be ridden out of town on a rail, probably tarred and feathered. Now, they assume control of us through public office.

Though I live in socialist NY, I am thankfully 260 miles away from the city. I feel sorry for those forced to live or do business there, because The alternatives to babysitter Bloomberg are even worse!

Will we ever wake up?

Silver Fang| 4.14.10 @ 6:59PM

I doubt it. People like their safety and their government guaranteed comfort too much.

Northern Rebel| 3.12.10 @ 11:44AM

I guess Ken is right; we can add salt to the list of ever increasing black market items:
-Canadian toilets
-Uncurly light bulbs
-saturated fats
-SUV's
-certain air conditioner freons
-cigarettes
-cigars
-non metric tools
-health care

The present administration is creating opportunities after all!

Singe| 3.16.10 @ 6:02PM

I don't think you understand what the "black market" is. All of these things are perfectly legal to buy and readily available, except perhaps certain refrigerants (not that there aren't hundreds of alternatives available).

Armchair General| 3.12.10 @ 12:00PM

Is there no way we can put this buffoon out of our misery?

NavyBrat| 3.12.10 @ 12:03PM

This is idiotic. First of all, most restaurants use Kosher salf these days, which has less sodium than table salt (and yes, you CAN taste the difference). Secondly, MANY of New York's top chefs are extremely influential & have influential friends. Most are liberals. Do any of you think that guys like Anthony Bourdain are going to give up the salt? Gimme a break & someone please go tell BloomBooger to get bent.

Bruce| 3.12.10 @ 3:52PM

Right you are, NavyBrat, but it goes further. A larger proportion of professional Chefs I know who operate large restaurant kitchens use Sea Salt. I know of not a single professional chef who uses that crap "iodized" salt. That stuff can and will kill you.

John Navratil| 3.13.10 @ 8:57AM

Not so, gents. Salt is salt. NaCl - Sodium (Natrium) Chloride. There may be a difference in trace elements, caking elements, texture and, of course, added iodine. But you will get the same sodium from the same amount of each kind of salt.

The iodine was added to salt in the 1920's to combat goiter in many parts of the U.S. where iodine deficiencies were common. You can easily buy common table salt without it.

DeniC| 3.12.10 @ 12:26PM

Apparently the Mayor has forgotten that salt is the primary source of iodine for most Americans since the soil in which our food is grown doesn’t contain sufficient iodine to be a significant part of the plant intake/food output. Without iodine, there would be a significant rise in thyroidism, various cancers, goiters, and mental retardation. Although folks AT RISK for high blood pressure and those that already have high blood pressure may need to limit their salt intake, doesn’t mean the rest of us need to stop ingesting salt to prevent high blood pressure. Not including salt in diets is going to have longer term consequences for more people’s health.

If we allow this kind of regulation to continue, then the government will prevent milk and cheese from being served to ensure that lactose-intolerant people aren’t made uncomfortable, but will ensure higher rates of osteoporosis.

The bottom line is that anyone who has a diet-related concern should control what goes into his or her food and mouth. I don’t know of any restaurant that won’t prepare a meal the way an individual needs. If you don’t want them cooking your food with salt, then tell them so (after all, it’s not in their better interest to kill off their clients).

This kind of regulation is nonsensical, and will only hurt more people than it helps.

booger| 3.12.10 @ 12:52PM

Congress should have fined Kennedy for his alcohol abuse.

PCC| 3.12.10 @ 1:30PM

Nice handle, Booger.

El Lashbo| 3.12.10 @ 1:48PM

Come come, Mr. Mann. Enacting legislation to ban salt will provide thousands of jobs!

Just think of the number of Salt Enforcement Agents (SEA) the rotten apple will be able to hire.

Imagine this . . . you're at your favorite diner, having ordered a (for now) legal meal of bacon & eggs. The waitress puts it in front of you . . . you look around in a furtive manner; thinking the coast is clear, you reach into your coat pocket and pull out a salt shaker.

Suddenly the front door bursts open and the room is filled with armed SEA personnel, assault weapons pointing at your head: “Drop the salt or we shoot!”

Stunned, you throw the salt on the floor . . . the next thing you know, you’re cuffed & stuffed in the back of NYPD SEA vehicle, on your way to post a $10,000 bond . . . . .

Susan| 3.12.10 @ 2:41PM

El Lashbo, Thanks for the laugh - I needed it after reading about the continuing socialism fiasco's. Very, very scary....

Sig | 3.12.10 @ 2:22PM

If I travel to New York can I carry my own salt? Will I be charged with a crime? Do I need a permit to carry my own salt? With all that's going on in American - we need these answers now!

Singe| 3.16.10 @ 6:04PM

Yes, No, No.

Copyleft| 3.12.10 @ 2:39PM

If you do not have a medical degree and are not board certified cardiologist then you have do not have enough knowledge to discuss this issue. The City of New York DOES have qualified specialists who are looking out for your health. If you would just listen to them and stop being so uncooperative your lives would improve. When are you conservatives going to finally learn that your government knows best!

DeniC| 3.12.10 @ 2:45PM

And this would be the same government that gave syphilis to soldiers, treated them to LSD, radiation fallout, etc? Who knows best?

Bruce| 3.12.10 @ 3:56PM

So, do YOU have an MD? Are YOU a board certified cardiologist? I didn't think so, so shut the F up already. Who the hell are you to tell anyone how any kind of behavior would "improve your life"?

Piss off.

Kenneth E. MacAlister Jr.| 3.14.10 @ 3:36PM

Copyleft, get bent. Enough said. Idiot!

cuban pete | 3.12.10 @ 2:59PM

First they came for the salt shakers but I did not use salt so I did not object
Then they came for butter.......

Jim| 3.12.10 @ 3:06PM

Seatbelt laws, helmet laws, anti-tobacco laws, so why be surprised when its salt laws, sugar laws, fatty acid laws ad infinitum..... You aint gonna be puttin no gravy on that plate, now ya hear. God I'm glad I wasn't born any later than '47.

Silver Fang| 4.14.10 @ 7:09PM

I'm sorry I was born in '77. I've seen the freedoms people once took for granted eroded over the course of my 32 years on this planet.

Philip Aaronson| 3.12.10 @ 3:18PM

Anyone who believes anything written in this article should click on the link in its 13th paragraph, the link represented by underlined word 'evidence'. This is the link which Mr Mann says in his lighthearted way will tell you about salt being an anti-depressant. Just to give you a clue, the title of the scientific paper it links to is "Salt craving: The psychobiology of pathogenic sodium intake".

Pathogenic meaning 'disease-producing', incidentally. If this is an example of the scientific evidence which Mr Mann links to to support his arguments, I think he may have a serious disconnect with the concept of rational thought. Or, he may just be very, very strange.

Gary| 3.12.10 @ 5:42PM

He simply referred to this study as "evidence" that salt may act as an anti-depressant. This is indeed part of the study. Whether or not some people have a pathogenic response related to this stimulus is irrelevant to whether there is in fact an anti-depressant effect from salt intake.

DNeal| 3.12.10 @ 3:57PM

When one looks to government as God, then one must expect such micrmanagement of one's life. Where shall it all end?

FatAzzBob| 3.12.10 @ 4:15PM

====================================MAKE FRIED CHICKEN ILLEGAL!
REMEMBER THAT HUGE PLATE OF CHICKEN THAT BAHAMA SAT DOWN TO LAST WEEK? I FORGET WHERE... OH BUT THT WAS A FUN PICTURE-ANOTHER PHOTO OP? SURE.
Now a word was said about that as I recall .Could be in err though.

HomerSimpson| 3.12.10 @ 4:29PM

I'm chewing on a hunk of salt while smoking a noxious smelling stogie, sipping a drum of Red Bull -all the while driving a Humvee over CopyLeft's wussy looking Prius...MMmmm smashed eco-car.

Marge is putting a corn fed steer in Copy Left's backyard. He will be farting his own noxious fumes all night.

Kenneth E. MacAlister| 3.14.10 @ 3:40PM

Be kind now. Liberalism after all is a mental disorder. Just pour some salt in Copyleft's straight jacket.

Anne Wingate| 3.12.10 @ 5:01PM

My former sister-in-law, a physician, used to avert her eyes as my father salted his food until it was white. But when he landed in intensive care after a car crash, doctors found out that a "normal" salt amount was completely insufficient for him. To keep his blood pressure high enough, they had to add an incredible--to them--amount of salt to his IV fluid.
Some people do have higher BPs if they eat much salt, but far more people do not.

Richard Baker| 3.12.10 @ 6:40PM

Bruce:
My apologies. You are correct and I forgot that many New York State residents wish that the City would fall into the ocean.

Dan| 3.12.10 @ 6:43PM

New Yorkers have themselves to blame for voting a would be dictator into office. He is wealthy, you are not, therefore he knows best.

Petronius| 3.12.10 @ 7:10PM

Everybody needs to hear Ian McCalman's satirical ditty titled Cholesterol. It's a basic food group for y'all. Meanwhile, there's money to be made smuggling belly bombers to Gotham. CraveCaselots only.

scythe| 3.12.10 @ 7:10PM

WHO THE HELL IS BLOOMBERG TO TELL ANYONE WHAT TO EAT???? WE ARE LIVING IN A FAST GROWING FASCISTIC TOTALITARIAN TERROR STATE. TELL THIS MEDDLESOME LITTLE MARTINET TO GO STUFF IT SIDEWAYS.

Jim Massa| 3.12.10 @ 8:13PM

I will continue to use salty language.

Ben (Australia)| 3.12.10 @ 8:19PM

First off: Is Bloomberg illiterate? Second off: He might want to work on his own body before lecturing others about health.

Big Elk| 3.12.10 @ 11:40PM

Hey Bloomberg! Mind your own busniess, and STFU! You democRAT nazi moron!

Oakley| 3.13.10 @ 2:44AM

Has the "Nanny State" ever heard of LOW SALT SYNDROME, which can kill a person with it?????
My Father had it, was admitted to emergency with Blood pressure of 36 over 18!!! The minute they started the sodium drip he was revived. The Dr. ordered 1/2 teaspoon of salt twice a day!!!

DUH! Government, get a CLUE and stay OUT of our private BUSINESS and HEALTH!!!

Old Soldier| 3.13.10 @ 10:38PM

Had a soldier of mine almost die on a hot day. He drank plenty of water but didn't have enough salt in his body. Passed out and ended up in the ER on a sodium drip.

k962| 3.13.10 @ 7:26AM

Albany has a 9 billion dollar defict and they are worried about my salt intake? Whta a bunch of crap! These boobs have to be thrown out.

Zeo Roods| 3.13.10 @ 7:42AM

Wow, that makes pretty good sense to me dude.

jess
www.fbi-logfiles.int.tc

The Prickly Thorn| 3.13.10 @ 8:17AM

Arise terminal patriots, ARISE,....heed the call,....three "dead" yes votes are equal to three no votes,.....and there is nothing "new" or "fuzzy" about that math.

martin j smith| 3.13.10 @ 8:35AM

In NYC this is your choice: You have really bad ( Blooberg--stateist but also entrepreneur ) Or you have realy totally incompetent boobs. That it.

Cris Worth| 3.13.10 @ 11:30AM

Since "His Honor" views himself as mayor for life idiocies like this will proliferate. Next up whole wheat bagels, salt free lox and low fat Philadelphia cream cheese will be mandated.

Rich McNally| 3.13.10 @ 12:09PM

Don't laugh. During the war, rationing inspectors went through restaurants in England making sure diners weren't given more potatoes or sausages than rationing allowed. And the inspectors also made sure butchers didn't sneak in an extra lamb chop for favorite customers.

jones| 3.13.10 @ 12:26PM

hey, new yorkers- you let this mook Bloomberg off the hook when he should have been term limited. You now own the consequences.

Northern Rebel| 3.13.10 @ 12:50PM

If it wasn't so sad, it would be funny.

If NYC fell into the ocean, would Bloomberg get salty? I will now climb into my Pontiac Trans fat, and go home.

Alice Polarbear| 3.13.10 @ 2:05PM

Perhaps, ultimately., NY politicians will ban all foods in NY restaurants except Soylent Green, a product to be processed from the remains of Senior-age Obamacare" casualties. Nice 'n Green! Seriously, I expect that all restauranteurs who demand to maintain standards will simply pull up stakes and relocate, leaving behind only salt-free vegan emporiums. Unsalted tofu anyone?

Jim O'Brien| 3.13.10 @ 2:46PM

How about limiting the size of the NY Times (dimensions, weight per issue) to save the trees and reduce pollution.

Anonymous| 3.13.10 @ 7:31PM

Hands off my salt, commies! When seasonings are outlawed, only outlaws will have 'em!

Really, you big-gov't crybabies... grow up, get a life, the size of gov't doesn't compensate for a lack on your part elsewhere (hint, hint). Legislating what's good for people is a delusion.

Frank Lee| 3.13.10 @ 7:53PM

This must explain Mayor Bloomberg's oversized neck - an enlarged thyroid from the lack of iodine.
Next Vitamin C will be the new evil by these scurvey politicians.

AshleyZ| 3.13.10 @ 9:35PM

I call this the "National Happiness Reduction Initiative".

Dernon Ruton| 3.14.10 @ 9:50AM

You quote Hizzoner as saying "We're trying to extend the lives and improve the lives of people who live in this city." I suggest he could have done that by having left government and returned to his media empire at the end of his second term. Rather, he had the City Council engineer his fake eligiblity for a third term. So he could stick around and "help" ... with our salt! I guess New Yorkers are too salty for him, this bland fool. For this he had to be mayor again? How about you get the WTC site rebuilt, what's it been now, going on nine years? I guess you don't have to be a multibillionaire to be a colossal loser, but in his case it sure seems to help.

Northern Rebel| 3.14.10 @ 11:08AM

Don't worry Jim O'Brien, they are going out of business, without any intervention, unless the socialist administration uses it's stimulus slush fund to bail out liberal newspapers, which is the only way they will survive.

Trapped in NYC| 3.14.10 @ 11:54AM

I live on the upper east side. A Barnes and Noble on 86th and Lex closed down and moved to a new location around the block. While the space was empty people from the neighborhood started posting handwritten signs and petitions,( 'please put in a food store I have to walk ten blocks to get food"' "no Whole Foods-but we will take anything") on the windows BEGGING for a super market to go in where the old B&N stood.

Guess what store they got.

PETCO.
Let the liberal New Yorkers eat dog food.

Singe| 3.16.10 @ 6:13PM

Wouldn't it be a bit socialist to install a particular type of business specifically because some people who live there petition for it?

Instead, there's a Petco there thanks to free-market capitalism. The markets chose.

Besides, ten blocks sounds like good exercise. What kind of mouthbreathing fatty can't walk ten blocks now and then?

Obie Wan| 3.14.10 @ 1:11PM

When banning smoking in private establishments years ago was accepted with little opposition, I didn't believe it was a good sign. What bothered me wasn't the smokers vs non-smokers argument, but how easily government at all levels can move into the private sector and remove freedoms, in this case a small freedom, but a freedom none the less, with no legal standing to do it. Americans today are getting so used to government encroachment in areas they have no business that it's a legitimate argument to say we are quite a ways to becoming a "soft" totalitarian governed country. Whether salt, smoking or a million other areas of regulation, singularly they may be small infringements, but collectively, citizens are losing their personal freedoms !!!

Silver Fang| 4.14.10 @ 7:19PM

The worst of it is, some people even favor this legislation because it favors what they want. Now all the non-smokers are happy because they can go into any business they want, whereas before they couldn't because of the smoke. Well, what makes them special? If a non-smoker doesn't want to deal with smoke, why can they just not go to places that allow it instead of running to the government to force those places to ban it?

As for the salt/junk food thing, it's just too ridiculous to comment on.

Kenneth E. MacAlister Jr.| 3.14.10 @ 3:44PM

Forget about cats & dogs, spay & neuter ALL leftists!

Twoballsfromgarrison| 3.14.10 @ 6:34PM

But you can't neuter a Leftist who hadn't any to begin with, now can you?

Yosemeti Sam| 3.15.10 @ 12:22AM

See what 100 million has bought a 2-term Mayor
of Sin City East: the vanity/right of being a now 3-term elected Mayor of Sin City East; to take on the mantle of a dietitian.

Vanity, vanity - vanity!

Pass the salt!

LOL.

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