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How far should the state go?

Watch members of the public discussing the common good versus personal freedom.
13.6
No. Because I think as a society, we’ve become very dependent on things such as fizzy drinks and junk food. And there are too many industries that make too much money off of it. And too many kids and adults as well that really like to consume the stuff. So no, I don’t. I think there should be definitely be– cracking down on the amount that people are allowed to eat. There should be full on campaigns to get people to eat more healthily, and stop eating junk food.
49
I think the prices of junk food and fizzy drinks and sweets should be raised, because the people in poor situations are finding that processed meals are the only ones that they are able to eat and afford. Because the price of fruit is incredibly expensive. And I feel that things like fruit and vegetables should be– there should be campaigns to try and reduce the prices of fruit and vegetables, and raise those of fizzy drinks and junk food. Do you think the state should ever be able to go as far as to ban it? I don’t. I think that impacts completely on people’s free will. I think it’s unfair to say, no, you can’t eat them at all.
91.8
Because it’s just not fair for them to say you can’t have a treat once in a while.

Watch and listen to some young people in Hereford answering the following question:

  • Do you think the state should be able to ban fizzy drinks and junk food?

What do you think? Should the state be able to control what we eat?

Here are some other questions about the role of the state:

  • How far can the state go in restricting the liberties of its citizens in order to serve the common good?

  • Do you think the state should be able to limit the amount of alcohol a citizen can drink?

  • Do you think the state should be able to make laws about how we discipline our children?

What do you think? Share your ideas in the comments below.

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