Do we need a 'sugar tax?'

[busydude]

Some US experts believe so.

So what do they propose doing about this? Among the solutions suggested in the article are:

• Taxes on processed foods that contain any form of added sugars, including sweetened fizzy drinks (soda), other sugar-sweetened beverages (for example, juice, sports drinks and chocolate milk) and sugared cereal.

• Limiting availability, such as reducing the hours that retailers are open, controlling the location and density of retail markets and limiting who can legally purchase the products.

Personally, I don't think it is good idea. I believe it is up to the individuals to keep track of the food they are eating. It is also the responsibility of the parents to make sure their kids are eating right. But, I can also understand why few of them want regulations.. as parents and schools have failed to tackle the problem.

One more major issue with people getting obese is increasing health care costs.. which will ultimately lead to increase in premiums for rest of the population. Frankly, I am starting to think that in a generation or two, fat people will be the majority. Anyway, it is really a sad state of affairs... which is totally avoidable.

 

[Saint Nick]

Go for it. I rarely eat this shit so I'm all for it.

 

[ichy]

Eh, if the money raised by the sugar tax is used to lower other taxes then I'd be ok with it. Otherwise? No thanks.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Just stop subsidizing agribusiness, so the price of HFCS will go up.

 

[waggy]

Eh, if the money raised by the sugar tax is used to lower other taxes then I'd be ok with it. Otherwise? No thanks.

bwehahahahahahahhahah oh man..as if teh government would do that.

 

[busydude]

bwehahahahahahahhahah oh man..as if teh government would do that.

The govt can set up a committee to see if it viable. Of course, the members should be selected such that there is absolutely no conflict of interest.

 

[Kelvrick]

1- Where would the tax revenue go to? I'll likely disagree as it'll probably just go in the general fund to be wasted somewhere.

2- WTF? Who the fuck thought of that stupid ass idea and even thinks anyone would think it would get anywhere but out of the toilet.

 

[highland145]

Hell no. Let Darwin sort through the population after treating type 2 diabetes becomes a 100% personal expense.

 

[busydude]

Hell no. Let Darwin sort through the population after treating type 2 diabetes becomes a 100% personal expense.

It is certainly going to affect common, healthy people like you and I.. by jacking up our insurance premiums.

 

[Pheran]

Just stop subsidizing agribusiness, so the price of HFCS will go up.

Completely agreed, get rid of the stupid corn subsidies first.

 

[rcpratt]

I'm all for taxing fatties.

 

[Squisher]

Tax pants above 34 inch waist size and let the fat run naked in the streets.

 

[busydude]

I'm all for taxing fatties.

Tax pants above 34 inch waist size and let the fat run naked in the streets.

What about their feelings? You cannot even call then fat anymore. :whiste:

 

[FoBoT]

ftfy
"Some US communists believe so."

 

[bignateyk]

If they feel like they have a legitimate reason for taxing booze then I don't see why they shouldn't tax soda too.

 

[Gothgar]

Just stop subsidizing agribusiness, so the price of HFCS will go up.

This forever

 

[ichy]

Just stop subsidizing agribusiness, so the price of HFCS will go up.

Good point. No need for a tax, just stop giving billions to ADM & similar companies and let people pay market prices.

 

[surfsatwerk]

Fattys go home! Need fat tax now!

 

[SunnyD]

Sugar is already taxed to death. We need a HFCS tax though.

 

[busydude]

Just stop subsidizing agribusiness, so the price of HFCS will go up.

That will increase the price of milk, beef, chicken and eggs too.

 

[purbeast0]

no, but a fat tax i'd be all for.

 

[preslove]

no, but a fat tax i'd be all for.

sugar creates fat, along with diabetes, cancer, and tooth decay.

The shit is toxic: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/magazine/mag-17Sugar-t.html?pagewanted=all

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oM

 

[purbeast0]

sugar creates fat, along with diabetes, cancer, and tooth decay.

The shit is toxic: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/magazine/mag-17Sugar-t.html?pagewanted=all

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oM

sugar in fine and won't cause any of that when taken in moderation, just like anything else in moderation that causes fatties to be fat asses.

 

[rcpratt]

sugar in fine and won't cause any of that when taken in moderation, just like anything else in moderation that causes fatties to be fat asses.

The tax won't hurt you in moderation.

 

[Vic Vega]

http://blog.chron.com/sciguy/2012/02/health-officials-tax-and-regulate-sugar-like-tobacco/Do we need a 'sugar tax?'

No.

I do not believe these "experts" have the best interest of the US taxpayer in mind.