What do you think of the proposed soda tax?

[OceanAnnie]

"Several of the nation's leading health experts are calling for a tax on soda as a means of curbing America's obesity-epidemic.".

There are articles out there about it. Laden with politics. Lets leave the politics out. Please answer only from an obesity-epidemic standpoint.

ETA- I think people should be responsible for their own weight, without penalty.

 

[joviroxx]

Can you really leave politics out of it? This is political...

I think its ridiculous.

 

[OceanAnnie]

Can you really leave politics out of it? This is political...

I think its ridiculous.

No, not really. It was recommended by leading health professionals as a means to reduce obesity.

 

[MIGrandma]

I voted no. If someone is overweight, like me, it's not going to just be caused by drinking too much soda/pop. I used to drink Diet Coke, then switched to sparkling water. Zero calories, zero sodium. I hardly ever drink soda/pop anymore, but I still need to lose some weight. So they tax soda/pop, then are they going to start taxing doughnuts, pizza, convenience foods, mayo, salad dressings, and on and on and on....ridiculous IMHO.

 

[mickeymedic]

Taxing soda is not going to curb obesity any more that taxing cigarettes is going to cause smokers to quit smoking. Anyone who thinks that taxing soda will have any impact on the average weight of Americans is either unrealistic or delusional.

I seriously doubt that those who proposed/support this tax think that it will have any impact on obesity. It just makes for a good sound-bite. And they are hoping that Americans are stupid enough to believe it.

 

[LMulligan]

If we truly want to do something about the obesity epidemic, we will bring physical education back into our schools along with a basic nutrition course. The soda tax does nothing for the underlying problem -- the fact that we live in a sedentary society.

 

[joviroxx]

No, not really. It was recommended by leading health professionals as a means to reduce obesity.

Coming from a person who was overweight most of her life and just recently lost 135 lbs, I can tell you this WILL NOT curb obesity..

A doctor says it and politics jumps on it as an excuse to collect more money. I guess thats why I said that this IS political.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Diet soda does not contribute to obesity.

Regular soda--well skinny people drink it as well.

Not sure how it helps. It is a drink of liquid sugar and people are obese for all sorts of reasons--not all related to liquid sugar.

As usual--trying to produce a solution in the dumbest fashion without doing the obvious.

I have been "fat"--never obese (and right now--pregnant and "fat" ). I drank regular soda as a kid and as a teen decided I didn't like the sugar taste and switched to diet soda. My overweight issues--had more to do with the food I was consuming and less to do with the diet soda.

I went back to diet soda this pregnancy b/c water was completely impalatable. I will wean from it after baby. But at this time--it is one of the few ways I can hydrate even if it isn't the best way.

 

[wvjules]

If it tastes good, if it is bad for you, if it is a luxury, if it is this, if it is that...tax it!

I do not believe in sin or luxury taxes. Do they really have the intended effect? (Will we be less Obese in 10 years because soda was taxed? I'm guessing no.)

If we want to curb the obesity epidemic we need health education, gym class, nutrition classes, etc. Taxing soda is like putting a bandaid on a gunshot wound.

 

[LuvOrlando]

I think everyone has just plain gone off their rockers with being control freaks.

Seriously, how much further are the "I know what's gor for you" wackos going to go? Will they come in and shut down my house power when they think it's time for bed? Will they fine me for not buying my kids vitamins? Will the schools charge me a penalty for giving my kids a bag of Doritos or for not using ... wait for it.... 12 grain wheat bread (shudder) for lunch. I am so sick of it all, I'm not listening to a darn thing anyone tells me anymore.

Liars and opportunists... all of them. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if the people behind this have money riding on stock for juice companies and bottled water. Sure have been a lot of people making money these days... just not regular people. More compost, just shove it on top of the pile with the rest.

 

[mickeymedic]

Another thing I just thought of...if the soda manufacturers really thought this new tax would have a significant impact on the sale of their product, they would lobby hard against it. And considering the size of the big soda manufacturers, they would likely have enough money to be successful. However, I don't think Coca Cola or Pepsi are really too worried about people decreasing their soda intake - tax or no tax.

 

[dpmfloyd]

tax it. america has a health problem. its fast food and soda and lacking self control at the heart of it. people will still drink the drinks and eat the food, so might as well get some $$$ something out of it.

 

[kpm76]

I don't think it will have much impact on the obesity epidemic; however, increased prices will impact how much of it I buy. I love Diet Coke, but am pregnant right now so not drinking any soda at all. DH likes Coke Zero but I only buy it when there's a really good deal. I was at Target yesterday and Pepsi 12-packs were $5.89!! Not a chance I would ever spend that, but some people surely would, it's all in what's important to you. If you want it badly enough cost is not going to be an issue.

 

[Jennasis]

Taxing my beloved soda is BAD FOR THE TAX MAN'S HEALTH.

I won't have it!! BTW, I drink Diet COke.

 

[MosMom]

This is a do nothing "solution". Subsidising healthy foods would make a HUGE difference...not sure I see that happening though.

 

[N.Bailey]

If it tastes good, if it is bad for you, if it is a luxury, if it is this, if it is that...tax it!

I do not believe in sin or luxury taxes. Do they really have the intended effect? (Will we be less Obese in 10 years because soda was taxed? I'm guessing no.)

If we want to curb the obesity epidemic we need health education, gym class, nutrition classes, etc. Taxing soda is like putting a bandaid on a gunshot wound.

I am 100% convinced it will achieve the desired effect. More money for our legislatures to spend! You can take it to the bank, IMO.

This is absurdity at it's finest!

 

[N.Bailey]

Another thing I just thought of...if the soda manufacturers really thought this new tax would have a significant impact on the sale of their product, they would lobby hard against it. And considering the size of the big soda manufacturers, they would likely have enough money to be successful. However, I don't think Coca Cola or Pepsi are really too worried about people decreasing their soda intake - tax or no tax.

Just like they did with the tobacco companies, they will nicely pad the pockets of soda companies to get a bill like this passed.

 

[N.Bailey]

tax it. america has a health problem. its fast food and soda and lacking self control at the heart of it. people will still drink the drinks and eat the food, so might as well get some $$$ something out of it.

This mentality is just sad, IMO.

 

[N.Bailey]

I don't think it will have much impact on the obesity epidemic; however, increased prices will impact how much of it I buy. I love Diet Coke, but am pregnant right now so not drinking any soda at all. DH likes Coke Zero but I only buy it when there's a really good deal. I was at Target yesterday and Pepsi 12-packs were $5.89!! Not a chance I would ever spend that, but some people surely would, it's all in what's important to you. If you want it badly enough cost is not going to be an issue.

But why should legislatures have the right to target only certain companies because they want prices to increase which would cut the bottom line for those companies (while increasing their own I might add)? Is that what American now stands for? Can't you see the slippery slope we're standing on?

If you don't like it, by all means, don't buy it. I will never argue with that logic and/or right.

I do realize you weren't necessarily lobbying for such a law, I want to make that crystal clear so you don't think I'm attacking your view.

 

[cm8]

no it won't "cure" obesity, they need to allow more time for PE in schools, recess was also "taken from some children" that is where a lot of kids used to burn off their energy and give the teachers a break away from the students!

This is just another money making opportunity, If they really wanted to cure obesity, then the cheap, processed foods would be the MOST expensive to buy and the good for you, healthy, wholesome nutritiousness foods would be the cheapest. But then None of the Doctor's or Big Parma and Big Business would profit since we would all be healthy and happy ( plus of minus some genetics) and then they would not have any money
JMO