Comments on: On the Ridiculousness of Soda Taxes

By: JoeP

JoeP — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:48:47 +0000

The total cost of any product is composed of a number of items (the product itself, packaging, marketing , taxes etc.) Some products have a heavier tax levy than others for various reasons. If it’s not worth paying the price, don’t buy the product. There is no great loss to society if soda sales are impacted. As for the “where does it stop” argument: Don’t worry I can guarantee the state or federal government will not put a tax on whole grains and leafy greens. Off to Bobby Chez, to pick up some health crab cakes!

By: Donna

Donna — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 02:13:59 +0000

But as I said in my post, where do you draw the line in punishing people for their sins? Are we going to tax people for eating butter? A candy bar? Not exercising? The more excuses the government can come up with, the more revenue they can collect. How convenient.

By: Zoogirl

Zoogirl — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:33:53 +0000

I think what society really wants (or at least what I really want) is to be left alone to make my own lifestyle choices.

By: JoeP

JoeP — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:32:17 +0000

I’m no fan of taxes, but with 12 teaspoons of sugar in a 12 once can of soda, and the popularity of soda as a primary drink, it is a big contributor to the health problem of the nation. Many people drink soda morning, noon and night. It is not good for the health of the drinker but ALL of us pay the price in higher health insurance premiums (which means we are ALL being taxed). Why not shift some of the cost of the soda habit to soda drinkers? If we manage to force some people to cut down on or eliminate soda from their diet, that will be a positive side effect.

By: Donna

Donna — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:14:36 +0000

My cynical belief is that it’s all about the money. But they’re choosing a popular issue to execute their evil plans.

By: mike

mike — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 02:50:25 +0000

I guess there are two reasons to tax. One reason is to raise money. The other reason is to influence behaivor. We live in a democratic society so if our politicians are looking to tax soda we as a society ultimately either want the money or want to influence behaivor. What do you think as a society we really want?