Regulation madness: Philly ‘soda tax’ causes massive job losses, Democrat finger-pointing

[Tsing Tao]

And you think this is more workable?

Some of those readings can have a genetic component. So who cares about the people who didn't win the genetic lottery?

What is your position on tobacco? Should the high taxes be eliminated?

Regardless of the people who didn't win the genetic lottery, they are where the costs are. BMI, for example, isn't a genetic thing. It's a "I eat too much crap and don't take care of myself" thing. Smokers get charged more as well, you don't necessarily need to tax the cigarettes because you're taxing the smoker in that scenario. I'm not sure it's more workable than the tax side, but what I can say with certainty that the government won't stop with sugary drinks.

Pretty soon, you have this:

 

[Frederick Foresight]

Okay, but answer the question: Do you propose that the high taxes on tobacco products be eliminated.

 

[Frederick Foresight]

BMI, for example, isn't a genetic thing.

Actually, genetics can contribute to it. Surely you have heard of the three somatotypes: ectomorphs, mesomorphs, and the less fortunate endomorphs.

 

[Tom B]

In my opinion, the tax should be put on people who follow unhealthy practices. At the office, people have a wellness test. BP has to be a certain level. Cholesterol, too. BMI a third number. Glucose another. Get 3 of the 4 AND be a non-smoker, and you get the wellness credit to your premium cost that lowers your premiums for the year.

Choose to be unhealthy and get more expensive premiums. But if you can nail all of those metrics, not smoke and drink Pepsi all day every day, then whose business is it?

The penalty should be more expensive healthcare / insurance for lifestyle choices like obesity or smoking. Demonizing a macro nutrient is collective punishment.

 

[Tom B]

Sin taxes are immoral.

 

[bullmarket79]

Wow 51% beverage tax on top of sales taxes an such, quickly approaching alcohol taxation, no freaking wonder this tax caused a drop in sales and layoffs. $1 dollar pop became $1.51 Plus 8% sales tax.

 

[Frederick Foresight]

Pretty soon, you have this:

Oh, and that's a bit hyperbolic and arbitrary, don't you think?

Smoking is the leading cause of cancer and death from cancer. It causes cancers of the lung, esophagus, larynx, mouth, throat, kidney, bladder, liver, pancreas, stomach, cervix, colon, and rectum, as well as acute myeloid leukemia.

Sugary drinks are the leading cause of obesity and all of the attendant health disorders. Obesity is a serious concern because it is associated with poorer mental health outcomes, reduced quality of life, and the leading causes of death in the U.S. and worldwide, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.

That's some pretty serious stuff. A high tax is the very least thing that a responsible government should implement.

There is no arbitrary or slippery slope here. Only major causes of disease and disorders have been singled out.

 

[Scataphagos]

In my opinion, the tax should be put on people who follow unhealthy practices. At the office, people have a wellness test. BP has to be a certain level. Cholesterol, too. BMI a third number. Glucose another. Get 3 of the 4 AND be a non-smoker, and you get the wellness credit to your premium cost that lowers your premiums for the year.

Choose to be unhealthy and get more expensive premiums. But if you can nail all of those metrics, not smoke and drink Pepsi all day every day, then whose business is it?

Ummmm... Pepsi!

 

[Tsing Tao]

Okay, but answer the question: Do you propose that the high taxes on tobacco products be eliminated.

No. I would like it to be, but I think this particular tax is so ingrained into the system that to yank it out at this point would be counter productive. Additionally, there is no medical test I am aware of that proves someone smokes (weight or BMI for example), so people can just lie about that and not pay any more than a non-smoker.

I realize this is inconsistent with my philosophy on sugar and the like, but it's similar in concept, not in enforcement.

 

[Tsing Tao]

Oh, and that's a bit hyperbolic and arbitrary, don't you think?

Smoking is the leading cause of cancer and death from cancer. It causes cancers of the lung, esophagus, larynx, mouth, throat, kidney, bladder, liver, pancreas, stomach, cervix, colon, and rectum, as well as acute myeloid leukemia.

Sugary drinks are the leading cause of obesity and all of the attendant health disorders. Obesity is a serious concern because it is associated with poorer mental health outcomes, reduced quality of life, and the leading causes of death in the U.S. and worldwide, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.

That's some pretty serious stuff. A high tax is the very least thing that a responsible government should implement.

There is no arbitrary or slippery slope here. Only major causes of disease and disorders have been singled out.

I'm just saying, where does it stop? Once government gets into people's lives with control, it never lets go. It just tries to increase that influence.