
What will they tax next? Are we about to consider following the Chinese and start taxing couples that have more than one child? The only way it seems that the government can make us want to "conform" to their "Yes, we can" way of thinking is through our wallets. In an article published by the New England Journal of Medicine, the taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages is a great mean to both lower health care costs for individual American citizens and help local governments with financial stability.
Ok, granted drinking a 12-pack of Pepsi in a 2 day period is by far not the healthiest decision one could make, but where do we draw the line? I have not met one person that quit smoking cigarettes just because the government placed a tax hike on tobacco. Smokers are still supporting their one pack a day routine.
The Journal shows many studies conducted showing the relationship between Soda consumption and diabetes, heart disease and obesity - with obesity being the main concern in children. No.1, children are obese because their parents' are too afraid to tell their kids' to get off there asses from in front of the T.V. and do an active activity. Parents today would rather have their children play X-Box 360 for twelve hours straight attempting to beat the newest game out instead of doing something productive that, hey, may actually be a character building activity.
All I'm saying is that I'm getting tired of having to reach in my wallet every time to try and fix someone's ignorance of personal health. Put down the remote and soda and find a concrete path in a park somewhere Professor Clump. 30 minutes just every other day would be a great way to both feel more confident about yourself and lower your chances of potential deadly illnesses later in life.
ah, young jedi,
ReplyDeletei understand your confusion, but look at it this way. the government does not really want folks to quit smoking or drinking sodas, but they do want tax revenue. so, in essence, they are saying, 'these habits are bad, but please don't quit'.
out.