He Put His Money 
           Where His Mouth Is
                           By Rafael Martínez Alequín

I have written about Mayor Michael Bloomberg from the beginning of his tenure as mayor. Mostly critical and occasionally praising him. This time, "I have come to praise Cesar not to bury him."

Bloomberg's ban on smoking, trans fats and lately junk soda has been good decisions.  Unlike previous mayors, this is an instance where the mayor's office is not beholden to the political machine.  In other words, he is so rich, he cannot be bought by outside interest groups.

The obesity epidemic impacts the Black and Latino community disproportionately.  The allure of cheap, tasty food and beverage is partially to blame. The effect on society as a whole is an increase in health care costs and a diminished work force.  This is where Bloomberg has put his money where the consumer's mouth is. 

All of the above are important health  issues

Another issue is Mayor Bloomberg’s leading role  urging the United States Congress to implement and enact gun safety measures. According to national polls, Americans support this, without violating the second amendment of the Constitution. To many, particularly the National Rifle Association,   this may not be a health issue. But to the thousands of people who have lost their lives, it is.

We don’t have to look very far to see the devastating horror that a gun in the hand of a maniac can cause. Witness, Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut where 20 kids were murdered.

At the end of this year the Mayor will be out of City Hall and become a private citizen again. However, he will remain a leading voice nationally in urging the President and particularly the Congress for a common sense Federal Gun Law.

See This Video From Mayor's Against Illegal Guns