Could a higher tax on sugary drinks help fight the obesity epidemic? Some researchers say yes. And they propose a penny-per-ounce tax on sweetened beverages like soda, sports drinks and sugar-sweetened fruit juice and iced tea. They say the tax could help fight obesity because people would be more likely to choose healthier drinks, which are now usually more expensive, plus raising billions of dollars would help state and local governments pay for programs.
What do you think? Is taxing sugary drinks a good solution?
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Honestly, I think that it’s short sighted to think that taxing soft drinks will make a dent in obesity. Taxing sodas won’t magically make people start exercising and eating healthier foods. They might stop drinking soft drinks (though that is even unlikely), but until you get people to pick up a carrot instead of a cheeto, the problem will be there.
Still, I’m not opposed to the idea. I kind of like “sin” taxes. Tax the sodas and pour the money into educating people on nutrition and exercise!
I think this is an awesome idea. At least it’ll bring about more awareness of the issue, too!
Thing is your taxing peoples freedom. It is completely ironic that in a country where a woman has the choice to kill her unborn child , she’ll be taxed if she wants to drink something with sugar in it? Aren’t the priorities kinda messed up?
Another great hair brained idea. Candy bars, Twinkies and donuts should be taxed too? In fact, bread, potatoes and gravy are also fattening so may as well add them to the list of fattening things.
People are fat not because of what they eat but because of how much they eat. If I ate 3 pounds of bacon for breakfast, 3 greasy cheeseburgers for lunch and 4 pounds of potatoes of gravy for supper, I would be fat even if I drank water.
Great point, CarolO!