What will they outlaw next?

The state of Maine’s intention to outlaw the sale of “junk food” in public school vending machines seems to be another step on the part of government to remove the student’s ability to choose (Dec. 10).

Superintendent Susan Hodgdon is right in expressing concern over choice. Taking away the junk food (and who is deciding what is junk food, anyway?) won’t necessarily teach kids good eating habits. It sends them the following message: “Dear Students: We know that you will choose foods we have decided are bad for you. So, we proudly announce our decision to keep you from choosing junk food while in our schools.”

The proponents of the law have forgotten that “junk food” is readily available at most convenience stores and supermarkets. Oops.

Why is a law necessary? If the goal is to “trim Maine’s high number of overweight children,” how is the removal of this choice in schools alone going to help?

To protest this law is to protest the government’s ability to make decisions for us. While it may be better to have healthy foods in school, the removal of choice has never created a healthy citizen.

Peter Biello, Farmington