All Soft Drinks are NOT Created Equal

Ahem...

It is not necessary to prohibit the sale, and consumption of, caffeinated soft drinks on campus. Doing this only deprives one of a potentially beneficial product and one's agency.

Ethos:
Having been active in my LDS ward since before my own baptism, having served a full-time mission to Siberia, and having been at one time the President of a Branch of Saints I feel that I have a good grasp on the beliefs, practices, theology and life of the Latter-Day Saints. I study the scriptures everyday. I watch General Conference. Nowhere, in all of my study and observation, have I seen anything that could validate the caffeine ban that exists on BYU campus.

Pathos:
We've all had one of those days. You know what I'm talking about. You wake up early to get to class after falling asleep late doing that last minute study for the big test. You try your best to be attentive in class and to work hard, but you're honestly feeling a little drained. After class you honor a few commitments to other students, or to your family, until, finally, the time for the test has arrived. But, my friend, you are not whipped you are whooped! You wearily start that long walk south to the testing center thinking, "Man, I could sure use a little pick me up..." But, unfortunately, no such thing exists - at least not on campus. For reasons that you just can't figure out, the authorities of the school have chosen for you: You may not have caffeine.

Logos:
There just aren't any truly logical reasons for this ban. They may argue that caffeine is against the Word of Wisdom: a vital code of health for the Latter-Day Saints. I own the Doctrine and Covenants, and I assure you that caffeine is not listed as a forbidden substance. Also, it has never been officially stated by any modern Prophet or authority. The idea that caffeine is restricted to the Saints is false and assumed. Admittedly, it may be argued that caffeine is addictive, and addictions are forbidden by the spirit and deeper meaning of the Word of Wisdom. This is a point with which I agree. However, the great majority of people I know have no such addiction. They use caffeine as one would use asprin or ibuprofen. when the occasion calls for it. Using caffeine as a medicine when one has a headache, or is fatigued, and not habitually, can in no way be called an addiction. Thus, that argument is devalidated. The ban now serves no other logical purpose than to deprive us of the ability to choose for ourselves what we will drink.