The Coca Cola Debate

I (mom) sent Justin an article from an Ensign about drinking caffeinated drinks like Coke a while ago after he mentioned how he has taken a liking to the nasty stuff since being on his mission. Apparently they sell it in the vending machines in the temple there. If anyone knows me well, you know I am against the stuff or any caffeinated beverages. I have never had the stuff in our home. Ever. After sending it to Justin, I was waiting for a response in Justin fashion. My boy loves to debate. It finally came. In a letter dated June 30, 2009, Justin wrote, "Hi Family! I got your letters and package today! Thanks for those. I really like the photos. I forgot to respond to mom's article she sent me. I totally agree with her, although I find that mom and the article are talking about 2 different points. Really it has strengthened my testimony that drinking Coke is okay. (can't you all just hear him now?) A few points I'd like to share:
1. "The Energy Drink Epidemic" - the article is about the "recent explosion...... of highly caffeinated drinks" and not cokes. (It does talk about caffeinated drinks without mentioning names. Isn't that what Coke is???Yes!)
2. Yes, it talks about a "Mrs. Jones" (name has been changed) with many saddening health problems due to a "cola consumption" (paragraph 2). But might I point out the word that precedes.... "excessive." My friend Brother Thomas Boud goes on to explain,
3. "One must keep in mind,of course (Justin highlights those two words)....there are certain appropriate uses for caffeine.... used in moderation, caffeine may not pose significant health risks." The problem at hand is "high (or excessive) caffeine intake. From what I understand Brother Boud defines high caffeine caffeine intake as "6-7 colas a day" or as the main subject of discourse clearly states, the energy drinks. I completely agree with the man. Energy drinks or 6-7 colas a day isn't good for you. Luckily for all of us I probably only drink 1 0r 2 here. Still not bordering the description of the problems caused by this excessive" intake.
4. Let's go to the part "caffeine abuse and the Word of Wisdom" where we really get to the message of the article. The last sentence in paragraph 1 calls my attention. "Had my patient Mrs. Jones avoided caffeine or at least used in moderation (highlighted again), she would of fared much better." "Of course (highlighted), not everyone who drinks caffeine will have a negative health consequence."

After reading this article, and carefully reviewing section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants I've come to the conclusion that the Lord gives us principles. And he goes on and on and on. He ends his debate by saying "I have been able to decide that the moderate (highlighted) consumption of cola products is in harmony with the restored gospel. I will forever be grateful for parents who were able to teach me such great principles and how to live according to them." Did I raise a perfect future attorney or what?? He clearly needs and wants his coke and so can only see what he wants to see and believe what he wants to believe. Well my friends and his, this debate is not over. Ball is now in my court.