Poll: Should the Government Rule on Sugary Drinks?

Most of us are aware that regular sodas and juices are full of sugar. Some of us avoid them altogether. Others practice moderation. Some say "so what?" and drink away.

Starting today, the RI Department of Health wants to wake up that last group. The department is launching a "Cut Back the Sugar" campaign aimed at educating residents about the consequences of drinking full-sugar beverages. It hopes to encourage them to consume water and low-calorie drinks instead.

Similar efforts are underway across the country. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health launched its own sugary beverage campaign about a week ago. Officials in the state of New York and in Washington DC have tried to add a tax to sugar-sweetened beverages in the past. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg even attempted to enact a ban that would prevent the purchase of sugar-sweetened beverages with food stamps. That got shut down by the USDA last week.

For now, the RI Department of Health's campaign is just an advisory message, not a mandate. But we're curious: do you think the government has the right to tell Americans to drink fewer non-diet sodas, juices and other "liquid candies"?

Vote in our poll and share your thoughts in the comments section below.