The thirst is suddenly real. In an effort to quench the ache, one may grab a soda. The state of California is currently formulating a bill to curb the practice of selecting a fizzy beverage over water.

The bill would require that sodas have a warning label that reads: “STATE OF CALIFORNIA SAFETY WARNING: Drinking beverages with added sugar(s) contributes to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay.” This is completely ridiculous.

The sunshine state is known for always butting into the lives of their citizens under the guise of “[taking] steps to protect the consumer,” as California state Sen. Bill Monning put it.

Ever since the passing of California Proposition 65 in 1986, warning labels have been everywhere. Proposition 65 sought out to warn citizens of toxic chemicals in products or areas that may cause cancer.

It is noble that the state cares about its citizens, but even this has been problematic as a warning label can go anywhere, seeing as the Internet can link anything to cancer, and the state does not require extensive research before using a label.

This is not to say that warning labels should not be used. Warning labels on cigarettes are completely warranted, as there is so much evidence that pinpoints the many negative consequences of smoking.

The reason why this newly proposed bill to put warning labels on sodas is not at all warranted, is because of the many wrong assumptions that it makes. This label assumes two things: that there is a majority of consumers drinking sodas and sodas are the primary cause of health problems.

According to the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, while there has been an increase in adolescents drinking sodas, there has been an overall decline in the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.

Furthermore, to say that sodas are the primary cause of health problems would be blaming one industry for the obesity epidemic of the nation. This scapegoating is not the solution to combating this problem.

While, yes, the labels do not completely say that sodas cause obesity and diabetes, by limiting this label to only sodas, that’s the message the state of California is sending.

In all honesty, warning labels are woefully ineffective in deterring use.

There are many smokers who simply cover the label as they take out a cigarette. If I found a sticker on my soda, my hand would simply cover it up as I took a long swig.

Now, there is a problem with obesity in America, but instilling self-control and limitation would be more effective than trying to instill fear.

The reality of the situation is that a person is going to do whatever they want. A smoker sees his or her lungs becoming tar as they smoke, yet they continue to do it.

The same is true for soda drinkers. They know, but they don’t care. 

Just let them quench their thirst.

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