Dim Bulb: Boston Mayor Tom Menino

Published April 9, 2011 4:00am ET



What: Because of rising obesity rates and health care costs, the mayor plans to ban the sale of sugary drinks on Boston city property, saying, “I want to make this a healthier choice, the easier choice in people’s daily lives, whether it’s the schools, the work sites or other places in the community.” Why it’s dim: It won’t be a choice if you’re not allowed to buy the unhealthy drinks.

Cure: Let consumer demand decide what the market sells.