New York Soda Ban

On Tuesday of this week New York City was set to implement a new mandate passed down from Mayor Michael Bloomberg eliminating the sale of sugary drinks in quantities greater than 16 ounces in restaurants, movie theaters, and other food service establishments.  At the last hour a New York Supreme Court justice struck down the law, but the mayor vows to fight the appeal.

This is just one of a series of city ordinances the mayor has implemented dealing with public health issues.  Earlier in his term he has pushed to disallowed smoking in restaurants and bars in the city, banned the distribution of food containing artificial trans-fats and the posting of calorie counts at chain restaurants.  His rationale is to look out for the well being of the citizens of New York City.  The fact is that 60% of adults and 4 of 10 children in New York City are overweight.  It is the definition of a health crisis. 

While the obesity rate for New York City is 24% among adults, which is below the national average of 35%, the trend for adults contracting Type 2 Diabetes is outpacing the nation.  According to the Huffington Post, the United States pays $245 billion each year battling Type 2 Diabetes. 

According to Mayor Bloomberg, “It would be irresponsible not to try to do everything we can to save lives.”

The Supreme Court of New York struck down the ordinance calling it "fraught with arbitrary and capricious consequences".  Some of the difficulties with the ban include establishments run by the state, not the city, would not have to abide by the ruling.  For example, because 7-11 is monitored by the state of New York, it does not fall under the city’s jurisdiction.  Therefore, the sale of Big Gulps would not be affected.

Mayor Bloomberg has vowed to continue this fight in spite of the court’s ruling.  He is committed to doing whatever he can to improve the overall health of New York City, by whatever means available to him as mayor.

What do you think about the ban of sugary drinks in New York?  Is Mayor Bloomberg acting responsibly or is he over-extending the powers of his job and violating peoples’ right to choose?  Do you think obesity is an issue in our country?  If so, does the government have a responsibility to do something about it?  

Sede Vacante - "The Chair is Empty"

How would you like to have a job where 1.1 billion people have a vested interest in the decisions you make and the direction you set?  Where world leaders from every continent are cooperating or not cooperating as you try to influence the spirituality of their people.  A job that was first occupied by one of Jesus Christ’s best friends.  The head of one of the largest religions in the world that is trying to maintain its sense of identity and purpose in an ever changing world.  This is the job of the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. 

On February 28, 2013, the Catholic Church enters the time of Sede Vacante, meaning “the chair is empty”.  Sede vacante represented the time between Popes.  Unlike the government of the United States, which is never without a president, the Catholic Church will have a period of at least 15 days without a leader.  Even as I am writing this, the Vatican is awaiting the remaining 5 Cardinals to join the other 110 to begin Conclave.

Prior to Conclave the College of Cardinals may have some pre-meetings to get to know one another and discuss the needs of the Catholic Church in 2013.  Once Conclave begins the entire process is top secret.  Construction is underway on the Sistine Chapel to install a false floor to hide anti-bugging devices, the installation of stoves to burn the ballots each day, and insure all accommodations are in place for the Cardinals. 

The 115 Cardinals are sworn to secrecy during Conclave.  They will be taken to and from the chapel by bus and stay sequestered during the process.  They will not have access to the news, internet, or any other communication device. 

On the first day one vote is allowed.  Each Cardinal writes the name of the person they select on a slip of paper.  The votes are tallied.  If someone receives two-thirds of the votes, they are asked if they would accept the position, what name they choose, and the ballots are burnt, sending white smoke through the chimney to notify the world of the new pontiff.  If no one receives the required two-thirds, debate, voting and prayer continues.  Up to four votes may be conducted each day.  There is no limit to the amount of time the Cardinals may take to decide the next Pope.  That being said, no Conclave has gone over 5 days since 1831.  It took the College of Cardinals 3 days to decide on Pope Benedict.

While any single, Catholic male is eligible to become Pope, more than likely the man chosen for the position will be one of the 115 Cardinals.  While there is not a clear cut favorite, many are expecting one of the following to be next in line: 

Cardinal Peter Turkson from Ghana

Cardinal Angelo Scola from Italy

Cardinal Marc Ouellet from Canada

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone from Italy

Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco from Italy

Cardinal Leonardo Sandri from Argentina

What do you think of the process to elect the Pope?  What qualities do you think are necessary to be a good choice for the Catholic Church?  What do you think are some of the biggest issues facing the Catholic Church and the next Pope?