Since Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed banning the sale of soft drinks larger than 16 ounces, New Yorkers have continued to express their strong opposition and voice the importance of making their own choices about what to buy and in what quantities. They are even gaining support from a strange bedfellow to the south, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. In an interview this week, ABC’s Jake Tapper asked Gov. Christie what he thought of Mayor Bloomberg’s proposal. He responded:

“I just think it’s government run amok. Government run amok. People have to make choices. Sometimes they’re going to make good choices, sometimes they’re going to make bad choices. But I don’t think we should have a daddy state.”

New Yorkers agree, believing that restricting the sale of everyday beverages like soda, tea and sports drinks is the ultimate example of big government overreach, reducing their freedoms instead of focusing on real solutions to the complex obesity problem. In fact, recent polls show just how unpopular Mayor Bloomberg’s proposal is:

NY1/Marist poll (June 2012): 53 percent oppose Bloomberg’s proposal. Quinnipiac University poll (June 2012): 51 percent oppose Bloomberg’s proposal. Reuters/Ipsos poll (June 2012): 64 percent oppose Bloomberg’s proposal. IBOPE Inteligencia interactive poll: 72 percent oppose Bloomberg’s proposal. Rasmussen Reports poll (June 2012): 65 percent oppose Bloomberg’s proposal.

In a democracy, it is the common belief that majority rules. However, in this case, the majority of New Yorkers are clearly being oppressed by the opinions of a few who hold the power. Will Mayor Bloomberg listen to those who elected him?