We all know that Soda and other sugary drinks are not good for our health, but most people continue to drink them. According to the article “A tax to combat America’s Sugary Diet” by Jane E. Brody, “these soft drinks contribute 7 percent of the calories Americans consume, making them the leading source of added sugar and the single largest source calories in our diet”. However, it has been proven that cigarettes cause lung cancer, and even though the taxes on cigarettes are high, that does not prevent people from smoking. Taxing sodas and other sugary drinks will not stop people from buying them; most Americans know that these drinks could be very addictive, and if you are one of those people who accompanies your breakfast, lunch and dinner with a soda and you see yourself in a position in which you can’t stop drinking it, it won’t matter if you have to pay a few more cents. Or even better you could go to a “tax free” state such as New Jersey to get soda. The government should not decide what kind of lifestyle American citizens should have.
Sandy Douglas, president of Coca-Cola North America, states that “Soft Drinks, sweetened waters and energy drinks combined account for only 5.5 percent of the American diet, according to the National Cancer Institute, which means 94.5 percent of calories some from other foods and beverages. The two states that tax soft drinks have obesity rates that are among the highest in the nation”. Government should make more emphasis on creating new strategies to implement health and nutrition education, as well as proper dieting and exercise. Portion control and food pyramid are issues that must be addressed especially at early ages.
Therefore, a soda tax is not likely to make much progress in reducing obesity rates in America.
According to the article “Sodas Are Nothing More Than Money Grab”, we’re meant to believe that a sin tax is being implemented for the good of the children and for the betterment of the citizenry’s health”. These taxes are just money grab for the Government trying to find ways to recover from the tough economy that is still affecting the country. No single food beverage is responsible for obesity, yet sodas are being targeted as the problem.
Each person in this country has the freedom to make choices about their lives and therefore about what kind of diet they want to have. Setting taxes on sodas and other sweetened beverages will not make a healthier America, simply because the decision to lead a healthier life is not the Government’s but ours as individuals.
“A Tax to Combat America’s Sugary Diet” by Jane E. Brody
April 6, 2010
“Is a ‘Soda tax’ a good policy to reduce obesity in the U.S.?” by Sandy Douglas, Michael F. Jacobson; For the AJC
April 6, 2010
“Sodas Are Nothing More Than A Money Grab”
March 15, 2010
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