14 Responses

1. Mephisto

   2009 Nov 28 1

   B A D

   to your health, like cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana.

   why not… we should add $ 1.00 to gas
   issssssshhsss
   and tax all SUV owners as well..
   References :
   EDIT: Since you are into taxation, should we repeal this – http://www.cbpp.org/7-11-07sfp.htm

2. The Planet

   2009 Nov 28 2

   It’s just an excuse to get more tax money because soft drinks are so popular. Obesity has many causes and not all of them are related to over eating or drinking. To call it a tax for that reason is unfair. Call it what it is i.e. an easy way to get more money out of people.
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3. wmayers99

   2009 Nov 28 3

   When one’s state is in such a serious financial crisis as is New York, officialdom will stoop to any means to try and come up with a quick fix. We already charge more than two bucks fifty PER PACK on cigarettes as a "sin tax". Wait for it – next thing, da governor will tax the air youse breathe…
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4. IWillCatchScottWhite

   2009 Nov 29 4

   The dude is blind. How does he know people are fat.
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5. Shoeless Joe

   2009 Nov 29 5

   The revenue could be used to pay for costs associated with Sugar Diabetes later in life.

   We tax Tobacco because it causes Cancer, why not tax something else that causes other diseases like diabetes.
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6. originalbadguy2000

   2009 Nov 29 6

   You can’t. If they don’t stop there where will they?
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7. ninga_slaya

   2009 Nov 29 7

   They could have made weed legal and tax that, but they thought it better to tax the people who love soda
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8. Pringles

   2009 Nov 29 8

   It’s not TRENDY.

   Junk food is cheaper then healthier food. If healthy food was cheaper, poor people wouldn’t be have such of an obese rate.
   References :
   Common Sense

9. Paula

   2009 Nov 29 9

   Liberals, especially those in government office, love to tax and spend (and they are always looking for other things to tax).

   If they could find a way to tax people every time that person gained a pound, they would do it (with no deduction or refund for pounds lost).
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10. minnesota_cold

    2009 Nov 29 10

    Maybe we should start taxing people who sit in traffic. If I recall, people inhale more carcinogens during rush hour than a pack a day smoker.
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11. Kiran C

    2009 Nov 29 11

    This will not lead to a road to serfdom. If the people want this, why stop them.
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12. irishbarfight

    2009 Nov 29 12

    I disagree with this also. I know plenty of people who are overweight (some for overeating, and some for medical reasons) that don’t drink any soda at all..either diet or regular alike. I, myself, haven’t drank soda in almost a decade, and I’m still overweight. I think the problem here with obesity lies in lack of proper..AFFORDABLE nutritional counseling, along with "bad" foods being most affordable for people…with healthier fare costing an arm and a leg in comparison to things like Ramen noodles and SPAM. It does also have a lot to do with people choosing to take a back seat in regards to their own health..and this is the individuals’ responsibilities. It all boils down to (in my opinion) to taxes needing to be raised for whatever reason, and things like this become the "whipping boy", so to speak. They’re also considering raising the already "highest in the US" taxes on gasoline, and additional taxes on clothing..two things that all people need (whether indirectly or directly)
    All in all..its a big mess.
    References :
    NY resident

13. mimi

    2009 Nov 29 13

    well its just another way of taxing the american people.But still it is a luxury and a lot of people I see using their welfare to buy useless stuff like soda instead of real food so who knows.But I do think its taking it a little to far.
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14. Witchy

    2009 Nov 29 14

    I disagree with this.

    In our state, we have very high taxes on cigarettes because smokers cost the tax payers more in health care. However, NONE of the money collected goes into a fund to actually pay for health care for smokers who don’t have health insurance. Most of the extra taxes are used for things that have nothing to do with smoking at all.

    This sets an example. Now, things like sugar and soft drinks will be targeted and again, NONE of the extra tax money will be used to pay for the health care of obese people who do not have health care.

    Instead of collecting tax money to pay for a specific program or project, politicians want to use taxes as a way to punish people for behavior that they don’t like. Taxes are being used as a method to control citizens.

    As I’ve said, I disagree with all of these taxes. I want the freedom to choose for myself and not be penalized for my legal choices. I drink diet soda anyway, but I’ll gladly stand up for those who drink regular soda. I don’t drink alcohol but I will gladly stand up for those who do so responsibly. ALL of these special taxes need to be eliminated.
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