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