Soda Tax?
December 17th, 2007
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — For years, the idea of taxing soda to beat back obesity
has been tossed around in medical circles. But now, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom is proposing a tax on beverages high in fructose corn syrup.
Newsom says obesity accounts for tens of millions of dollars in city health care costs. He cites a recent San Francisco Health Department survey that found nearly a quarter of the city’s 5th, 7th and 9th graders were overweight and that high sugar drinks make up a tenth of a kid’s daily calorie count.
Newsom reportedly wants all big box retailers and chain drug stores to pay into his new “Shape up San Francisco” program, which started this past summer with a walking regimen.
This comes as the state of California is considering slapping caffeine-infused sodas, and energy drinks with warning labels, saying consumption can contribute to diabetes.
Yet, these are the same sort of nanny-state moonbats who want to give your kids condoms and birth control pills. Apparently encouraging casual sex with multiple partners is less harmful to our children than a can of soda.
As an aside… Does anyone else find it ironic that all of these supposedly “harmful” things are being taxed in a way aimed at deterring use, yet the tax-and-spenders deny that higher corporate taxes deter economic growth?
December 18th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
Do they really think a tax will deter people from buying the product? I think not, it is just another excuse to raise taxes on another product.
If obese children cost the cities millions of dollars in healthcare costs, how much do the illegals cost the healthcare system?
December 18th, 2007 at 10:31 pm
Welcome to my hell, stuck here in the land of the fruits and the nuts for another 3 to 4 years. (Thank you Uncle Sam and the United States Marine Corps)
The town where I live wants to outlaw not only plastic grocery bags but ALL grocery bags. They want to make it a city mandate that I bring my own, environmentally safe, canvas bags with me whenever I shop. Big ha-ha on them, I shop in the commissary on base and they can’t control that!
December 19th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
Those immoral loons love Newsome too much, that’s why he can get away with stuff like this no matter how idiotic it is.
May 5th, 2008 at 2:14 am
While I’m not for raising taxes whenever necessary, I think this could serve as a good experiment. If high fructose corn syrup really is what is making us all so fat, then we ought to look into it - and this (although maybe the wrong way) is a way of doing that.
If San Fran does this and the obesity there drops noticeably, then it will have been a good thing.
I personally don’t drink soda anyway since I don’t want to be a fatass nor do I want diabetes. (Did you know one can of soda a day DOUBLES the chances of type 2 diabetes?) damn.
May 5th, 2008 at 3:39 am
Why is it a good experiment? Should we start taxing people who have illegitimate children, as well? Maybe that will stop the out-of-control single parenting that’s costing us more and more every year.
Understand that the government doesn’t give a rat’s behind about the children of San Fransisco. They’re simply killing two birds with one stone by raising more money for government while at the same time appearing to be deeply concerned about the health of their people.
This sort of excessive taxation will continue so long as people like you justify such craziness.