“Food” and Beverage Tax
Sunday, August 9th, 2009You’ve probably seen the commercials paid for by the “Americans Against Food Taxes” which depict a happy American family who is concerned that taxing their soda will financially destroy them. Are they kidding?
First and foremost, soda and juice drinks ARE NOT FOOD!
I find it appalling that a great number of citizens actually believe that soda, “juice drinks”, and other flavored beverages are a necessity. Now I understand why so many children today hardly drink water. For anyone who believes this nonsense and scare tactics, look at the “Americans Against Food Taxes” website and notice who their main supporters are; Pepsi, Coke, McDonald’s, etc. Sure, there are some other associations, including AARP, but these groups oppose basically ANY TAXATION. Think about how much profit beverage companies, fast food chains, and grocers make on sugary drinks. It’s all water and high fructose corn syrup!
For everyone complaining about taxation, the government already heavily subsidizes the producers of corn; a big portion of which goes to manufacture high fructose corn syrup. Therefore, we are already being taxed to produce soda and other sugary drinks. The difference is that now those government subsidies find their way into the pockets of those huge corporations (as cheap production costs, etc.), whereas the proposed taxes would help fund healthcare in our nation (God forbid).
Don’t expect most healthcare professionals to point it out, but many chronic health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and even some behavioral issues, are directly related to nutrition. So, if the government is going to provide healthcare to everyone, nutrition must be a part of it. A proposal that helps discourage people from buying products detrimental to their health (and proven so), is fine by me. Personally, I’d like to see more junk taxed in order to subsidize healthy, nutritious foods and healthy school lunch programs. What people should be upset about is the fact that many Americans have a hard time affording fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. This falls into the same category as other excise taxes and is no way a tax on food or any necessity.
This tax may not be the best idea, but detrimental to families? Give me a break and go drink a glass of water!
