Academic Nanny State

CEI ^ | November 19, 2008 | Angela Logomasini, Ph.D.

[GodBlessUSA]

Academic Nanny State
by Angela Logomasini, Ph.D.

Both universities and elementary schools are going after bottled water, as if that were the greatest threat facing students today! At the grade and high school levels, officials are removing bottled water from vending machines and cafeterias, leading students toward drinks with calories. Of course these are fine in moderation, but why deny a healthy option like water? Students supposedly would drink from water fountains, which as I point out on enjoybottledwater.org are not always sanitary or appetizing.

A school in Madison, Connecticut is learning the hard way. It has recently been revealed that the water coming from one school’s water fountains has contained excess levels of uranium for a couple years. While the public health impacts are probably pretty low, people don’t want their children drinking that water. The unfortunate problem with drinking water fountains in Madison schools offers yet another example of the importance of bottled water. Tap water is generally very safe. But there are times when people would rather drink bottled water, such as in this case.

But soon many schools will deny that option! Currently, in Ontario Canada, many schools are looking into total bans on bottled water and maybe even other drinks in plastic bottles. I sure hope they are making sure their tap water is a good quality. Many school officials there complain that it comes out a rusty brown.

This week there are stories in the press regarding efforts in Missouri’s Washington University to remove bottled water as an option for students. Ironically, much of the increase in bottled water in the past several years has simply replaced drinking of caffeine and/or sugar-containing drinks. Denying the option to buy bottled water is likely to increase consumption other bottled drinks, which may add onto extra pounds that students gain during college. It will also make it more difficult for students engaged in sports to stay hydrated.

Similar university bans on bottled water are being pushed or implemented at Brandeis University; Cornell University; Brown University (RI); University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Oklahoma State University; Southwestern; Clark University (AR); the University of Texas-Southwestern; the State University of New York in Buffalo; University of California, San Diego; University of New Mexico and many more!

Denying consumers the opportunity to choose a healthy beverage on campuses or anywhere else is simply foolish and a bit frightening. After all if they continue to succeed in banning water, what will they go after next?

[GodBlessUSA]

I’m so glad to see CEI and others getting the facts out and fighting against them. These groups are gaining to much power and base their positions with lies.

[luvie]

I am glad that SOMEONE is standing up to them. The petition
is gaining quite a few names!

Good luck with it, Dr. ;D

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Evening Kitty :)
Thank You very much!

[GodBlessUSA]

Thanks LuvW! :)

[Kitty Mittens]

You are Most Welcome!

: )

[yorkie]

IIRC, when I lived in Midland, the water smelled a bit like dead fish. (And, it turned the whites in the laundry a yellow color! Just think what it must do to yer innards!)

Thanks for the ping, Gee Bee!

[luvie]

You lived in Midland? My, my! I didn’t remember you telling
me that before.

Yes, our water is still awful! No one in their right mind
will drink it. LOL!

[yorkie]

Luvie, yes, I lived in Midland! My daughter was born there! And, I cried for three years after I left! (I guess I’m a Texan at heart!)

[E.G.C.]

BTT

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Morning
Thank You E.G.C.!

[GodBlessUSA]

Definintely a must for bottled water. ;) Thank you Yorkie!

[E.G.C.]

You bet, GodBlessUSA. Hopefully they’ll come to their senses and recognize that this is just plain dumb, stupid and idiotic.

[GodBlessUSA]

Thanks. :) I hope so E.G.C. They keep trying to ban things and their facts are baseless.

[GodBlessUSA]

Is Beer next....
Bottled water bans on campus... I asked: If greens can get water banned, what next? Students over 21 might be upset to learn that some people are even going after beer! One news story says beer containers are also suspect! It suggests that trace levels of the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) can leach out of the container and make you sick (beyond the possible hangover for over indulging)

The risks associated with trace levels of BPA from food containers are slim to none, according to the Food and Drug Administration and several scientific panels. In fact, trace levels BPA found in containers pose a much lower risk of “endocrine disruption” than does a tablespoon of soy milk—i.e., not much at all

[luvie]

Well, I would say “come on back” but I have seen your lovely
corner of the world where you now live, and I would move next
door to you in a heartbeat!

If you ever decide to visit, though, let me know! :D

[Billie]

Oh good grief, this is ridiculous. Bottled water, for pete's sake. Sure, let's ban it - after all, kids who start drinking bottled water at an early age will probably end up on hard drugs next.

Thanks for the ping, GeeBee, and the petition.

[GodBlessUSA]

LOL, yes, isn't that how it sounds. I always say...no soda to my daughter drink water. It's crazy. I can't believe they have been given any credibility. They actually have removed Bottled water on campuses.
Thanks Billie!