Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has just passed a brand new law changing the legal age for buying tobacco products from 18 to 21. The law will be affective six months from now, when the city of New York will then have the "strictest limits on tobacco purchases" says the New York Times.

Bloomberg and the city officials who approved the law claim that "the earlier people began smoking, the more likely they are to become addicted". They are just simply trying to look out for the health of New Yorkers, as Bloomberg always claims. Remember when he tried to ban soda? Former mayoral candidate Christine C. Quinn agrees with this new law adding; "this is literally legislation that will save lives". Not only did the age limit on buying cigarettes increase, but council members also increased the penalties for retailers who evade tobacco taxes, added a prohibition on discounts for tobacco products and locked in a minimum price of $10.50 a pack for cigarettes and little cigarettes.

The law did provoke some protest as people brought up a valid point; if individuals under 21 can fight in wars, drive and vote.... why aren't they mature enough to choose whether or not to smoke? Good point? Bloomberg is famous for provoking these stirs, as he also was successful in banning smoking in most public places, giving New York City "the toughest antismoking policies in the world".

Now...I'm not a smoker, it bothers me when I walk behind someone blowing smoke right into my face and I don't care for soda either, therefore, I can see how these laws can be beneficial to our health. Yet I don't agree with this method of enforcing us to "be better people"? I mean we live in this country because we are free. But where is the freedom to think for yourself? These type of laws are implying; "I don't believe you to be smart enough for yourself so...I have to do it for you". That's a little insulting, don't you think? I'm not trying to rally anybody up but Mayor Bloomberg should consider the preferences of everyone in this city before he comes up with another law for the greater being.

As I mentioned before, these laws do not bother me, but a little more trust in New Yorkers would be nice. Anyway...isn't Bill de Blasio are new mayor?