Councilmember Dan Halloran gave a speech at the so-called Million Big Gulp March outside City Hall Park on July 9, protesting the mayor’s proposed ban on sugary drinks over 16 ounces in size. Halloran was accompanied by two associates dressed in life-sized 16 ounce soda cups, known as the “twin cups of freedom”. The costumes had labels that read, “One small sip for man...one big gulp for mankind.”
“It is not the role of the government to tell its citizens how much food or drink they can consume,” Halloran said. “Only you, not the government, should make decisions about you and your family’s diets. And soda is not inherently bad for you. Many responsible, healthy New Yorkers choose to consume soda in moderate amounts on certain occasions, such as at a movie or baseball game. If we want to fix the health problems in this city, let’s start with gym classes and after-school programs, parks and recreation space and educating people about health issues.”