Soda Tax: Time For A Change

It is true that sugary drinks are cheap and can save consumers extra cash, which causes opponents to believe that the soda tax will hurt low-income families. Low-income family consumes foods high in sugar and calories and the soda tax will appear to be a "poor tax."
The Canadian Medical Association had advocated a soda tax that raises revenue to cheapen healthier foods (Fitzpatrick). The American government also intends to raise revenue, not just for health care, but to cheapen foods and drinks that are healthy. At least 28 states have passed some for of soda tax, whether it is excise or sales tax or taxing vending machines.

David Kessler explains that junk food can alter the brain to make people eat more, "certain foods—the ones concocted by industrial scientists and laden with salt, sugar, and fat—can circumvent our natural inclinations and trigger "action schemata" for mindless eating" (Engber). Essentially people are wasting more money on sugary foods and drinks. New York has insisted on a penny per ounces tax on soda, which is a stepping-stone towards better health while saving money.

 
 

Works:

Grizelda. Fat Kid Cartoon. Digital image. CartoonStock. Web. 29 Mar. 2010. 

http://www.cartoonstock.com/cart.asp?basket=yes&itemAddedToCart=yes

Fitzpatrick, Meagan. "Obesity: 'Soda Tax' Detractors Complain of Tax on the Poor." Vancouver Sun - Canadian Breaking News, Sports, Business, Entertainment, B.C. 10 Mar. 2010. Web. 18 Apr. 2010. http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Obesity+Soda+detractors+complain+poor/2668052/story.html

Engber, Daniel. "What a Fat Tax Really Means for America. - By Daniel Engber." Slate Magazine. 21 Sept. 2009. Web. 18 Apr. 2010.

http://www.slate.com/id/2228713

Sugar Tax: The Government vs The Public

Is imposing a Sugar Tax an attempt to control what people choose to eat or drink? No, obesity has nearly tripled over the past 30 years.  Food industries uses cheap ingredients such has high-fructose corn syrup in drinks, bread, and yogurts. High-fructose can negatively affect your health because it blocks leptin that signals when a person is full and can convince that the body is still starving. A high intake of fructose traps fat into the liver, blocking insulin production, eventually causing diabetes.  It is necessary for the government to help control what Americans consume.  The awareness is not enough to prevent excess intake of sugary products.  The role of the government is to support the public into living a more healthier lifestyle.  A serving of sugary soda a day "increases a child's chance of obesity by 60%" (Okner).

Sugary drinks and snacks are cheap and thus it is highly favorable among Americans.  Of course taxing is not always the solution to a problem, but the obviously needs some type of enactment from the government to prevent obesity and diabetes.  The tax will also allow researches to further their pursuit in finding a cure for diabetes.  Awareness is not enough to hinder the spread of obesity and diabetes.



Works Cited:

Joshi, Mohit. Obama Speech. Digital image. TopNew.in. 15 Jan. 2009. Web. 29 Mar. 2010. 

http://www.topnews.in/obama-inauguration-marathon-draws-top-celebrity-talent-2110530

Nick Jonas: National Press Club. Digital image. Gossip Center. 24 Aug. 2009. Web. 29 Mar. 2010. http://www.gossipcenter.com/jonas-brothers/nick-jonas-national-press-club-stud-357489
Zinczenko, David. "Fight Obesity by Taxing Calories." USA Today.
 http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2009/10/column-fight-obesity-by-taxing-calories-.html
Okner, Tori. "Soda Tax Ideas Grow Among Local Governments

Triple Pundit." Triple Pundit – Green Business News
Triple Pundit. 8 Mar. 2010. Web. 18 Apr. 2010.
http://www.triplepundit.com/2010/03/soda-tax/

A Tax On Sugary Drinks

The President’s consideration of a Tax, sparked debates and questions about where this tax may lead.  The tax on sugary drinks should be imposed because not only will it raise much needed revenue,  it will also convince the public to promote a healthier lifestyle.
    Studies show that soft drink sales have been declining especially in the recession thus taxing soda will have no affect on the consumer intake; instead, it will harm the soda industry.  On the contrary, reports show that Americans consume nearly three times as much coke today than the past decade.  In addition, drinking teenagers are highly vulnerable to drinking six packs of soda cans a week.  Soda drinks contains more than three tablespoons of sugar, thus it is much easier to pack some pounds.
    The coca cola industry argues that soda should not be blamed for obesity and diabetes in America.  Although it is true that there are other causes for obesity and diabetes, such as fast food restaurants and sweets, but taxing soda drinks is a good start.  According to health officials, decreasing the intake on soft drinks can lead consumers to a healthier lifestyle.  For example, taxing drugs like cigarettes greatly decreases the consumer intake.
    New York State has started anti-coke campaigns to push for a healthier diet, leading the campaign with a popular Anti-Coke Ad.  This proposal should be considered in every state, in order to fight against illnesses such as diabetes and to promote a healthier lifestyle. 



Work Cited:
Fattie Wisdom. Soda Makes You Fat. Digital image. 1 Feb. 2009. Web. 10 Mar. 2010. http://fattiewisdom.wordpress.com/2009/02/01/dont-candy-coat-it-its-a-fat-tax/
Man Drinking Fat. NYC Health Anti-Soda Ad. Are You Pouring on the Pounds? 14 December 2009. YouTube. Web. 10 March 2009.
 Sheneman, Drew D. Don't Tread on Me...or My Pepsi. Digital image. NJ.COM. 30 Sept. 2009. Web. 29 Mar. 2010. 
http://blog.nj.com/njv_shenemans_sketchpad/2009/09/dont_tread_on_meor_my_pepsi.htmlShughart II, William F. "Tax Sugary Soft Drinks - BusinessWeek." BusinessWeek -     Business News, Stock Market & Financial Advice. Web. 02 Mar. 2010.
http://www.businessweek.com/debateroom/archives/2009/06/tax_sugary_soft.html