Comments on: How can one justify a soft drink obesity tax?

By: Witchy

Witchy — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:32:59 +0000

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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By: mimi

mimi — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:12:59 +0000

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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By: irishbarfight

irishbarfight — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 08:34:59 +0000

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.
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NY resident

By: Kiran C

Kiran C — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 08:01:59 +0000

This will not lead to a road to serfdom. If the people want this, why stop them.
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By: minnesota_cold

minnesota_cold — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 07:17:59 +0000

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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By: Paula

Paula — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 06:45:59 +0000

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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By: Pringles

Pringles — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 06:29:59 +0000

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.
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Common Sense

By: ninga_slaya

ninga_slaya — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 06:21:59 +0000

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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By: originalbadguy2000

originalbadguy2000 — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 06:06:59 +0000

You can't. If they don't stop there where will they?
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By: Shoeless Joe

Shoeless Joe — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 05:24:59 +0000

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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