Rashawn Ray debates Bloomberg's health policies in the New York Times
Faculty Associate Rashawn Ray engaged in a spirited written debate with Lance Freeman of Columbia University on the Opinion Pages of the New York Times over the effectiveness of New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg’s attempts to limit the consumption of sugary beverages in the city. Ray argued that Bloomberg’s policies placed too much blame on individual choice rather than addressing the structural inequalities that affect people’s health, such as the lack of availability of healthy foods and safe places to exercise in poor neighborhoods.
Ray’s opponent, Lance Freeman, cited examples of several actions that Mayor Bloomberg has taken to address poverty in the city, and emphasized that Mayor Bloomberg’s efforts to control individual consumption of unhealthy products should be seen as components of a more comprehensive attempt to address the complex problem of obesity.
Both debaters gave credit to Mayor Bloomberg for his willingness to try innovative solutions, and agreed on the need for living wage jobs that allow people to afford the cost of healthy food.