No Soda Tax--Government Can't End Obesity in America

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By taxing cigarettes, the federal government will prevent 1,416,000 deaths. Now I'd rather encourage smokers to quit by taxing their squares, because
1: call me a liberal crank, but I think saving lives is a good thing and
2: I'd rather see you pay a dollar more now, then try to have to pay an oncologist later (and probably losing your house cause you can't afford a mortgage and the hospital bill at the same time.)
Likewise, soda only causes tooth decay, kidney disease, and type 2 diabetes. Most people simply are too helpless to stop drinking soda on their own, so once again, a soda tax will encourage them to not kill themselves with (just about) the stupidest drink ever invented.

Greg of IL 11:10PM May 10, 2010

It is time to repeal food taxes already on the books, not add additional taxes. Let us choose our food and drink. We can and should listen for the healthiest choices. The choice should still remain with us. Also, lower taxes will lead to more purchases, ultimately helping our economy more than government stimuluses.

ArthurTobiason AND Susan Tobiason of NY 2:36PM April 16, 2010

Now the government wants to tell us what we should drink, if it happens to be soda or a sugary drink ,you will pay extra. It's already telling us that toliet paper,soap, laundry detergent,etc is taxable because i'm guessing that they think we don't need this luxury in our home.

Nettie of NY 7:07PM March 29, 2010

what other items are going to be taxed next bread , rice, potatoes give the working people a break.how about stopping with government appointees and big salaries for peaple that do nothing but come up with these kind of ideas

Mary Sotelo of NY 7:46PM March 16, 2010

It's bad emough to get taxed for food and now they want to tax soda,1 penny per ounce,it is peoples choice to drink or not drink sugary beverages,if they become fat then that is on them,why punish the rest of us????
Next they will tell us we are no longer allowed to smoke in our own homes or cars,I know thats not the topic but I have heard of this,childhood obesity starts in the home,tax the parents that give soda or sugary drinks to their children and not us.
Wot is really sad besides NY getting Taxed to death is the our young people are moving out of state and my husband and I of late have benn entertaining the same thought and we will if we can get better jobs!

Irish of NY 7:06PM March 15, 2010

Have you ever seen cost go down due to a new tax that will "save you money?" Has your school tax gone down since lotto started helping with that expence???? NY is the most corrupt state in the union. New taxes never go to where they say it will go. I drink soda and I am not obese. I do not want to be taxed again. It's just tax, tax and more tax, Then the politicians go tro jail for their corrupt ways and the next one raises taxes to coverthe stealing....IT NEVER ENDS....Get out of NY while you still and a couple dollars that have not been taken for tax.Soon they will tax us to move out of state.

Jim Leonard of NY 5:51PM March 12, 2010

all the government knows how to do is tax us
Taxing our food will not stop people from eating.It will only make it harder for us to make ends meet
WE are taxed when we get paid. We are taxed aagain when we buy something. We are taxed again when we try to sell that which we bought
If people want to eat or drink, they are going to
If they get food stamps, they will eat and drink pop anyway
Our taax dollars very seldom go where the government says
We will be paying, not for what we need, but what they want
We just keep getting poorer at their expense

judy of NY 12:17PM March 11, 2010

This article raises some valid points. The soda tax is not going to have any impact on childhood obesity. The government is always looking for ways to change out lifestyles through taxing. If Paterson gets his way, soon we'll be taxed for how much TV we watch.

Kevin Jauregui of NY 12:13PM March 10, 2010

Next thing you know we will be taxed on how many times we flush or use the toilet!!! Egad...enough is enough, this is becoming obscene. Tax GOLF!

Trudi Mann of NY 9:06AM March 06, 2010

I agree, the last thing we need is more government control. Once you allow a soda tax, what other foods will be added? I think we should spend our efforts on teaching people how to lead an overall healthy lifestyle. Because, you can consume all foods in moderation in the context of an overall healthy lifestyle. Making changes in nutrition, exercise, stress management and sleep will reverse the obesity crisis in this country, NOT taxing specific foods. For more information, see my book, "How To Eat Fried Chicken and Be Thin Too" on Amazon or at strategicbookpublishing.com

Kellie Glass RD, LD of KY 8:29AM November 07, 2009