Fighting Obesity Through Taxation
March 9th, 2010by hokie
In a recent Reuters article, it appears that United States researchers are suggesting imposing an eighteen percent tax on pizza and soda. And what is the goal of this new tax you might ask? Well, to fight obesity, that’s what.
Now, let me clearly state that I would be totally O.K. with this tax being implemented. In the big picture, I’d rather spend less money on health care over time and more on the occasional pizza at Howie’s Pub. What follows are various thoughts I do have on the subject, some advocating the devil and some not.
Thought 1: It dawns on me that while the health of my fellow citizen is something I could be concerned about, I’m not totally convinced that I should be paying for their poor decisions. Obviously I’m already paying more for health insurance due to a lack of self control in a segment of our population. And they’re looking to tax me up front end as well? If I’m given a bill of good health, and want to enjoy a delicious Alex pizza and a cola product, why should I pay more because Tubby McCheesepuff can’t keep their damn hands off of the Pizza Hut lunch buffet?
Thought 2: One point in the Reuters article I really agree with is asking the government to reconsider what farming industries they’re subsidizing. It’s fairly common knowledge that high corn subsidies are mainly to blame for driving the cost of corn syrup down. It’s such a cheap sweetener it becomes fiscally irresponsible for a large corporation not to use it. Lessen or do away with corn subsidies and you’ll slowly see the return to cane sugars. And hell, I could write an entire post about how that would stimulate the economies of our Central and South American neighbors.
Thought 3: While I think this new taxation would ultimately help curb obesity, there are without a doubt plenty of other caloric avenues for obese people to continue their…. well… obesity. Furthermore, I wonder if education might be a more powerful tool to aid in obesity. Possibly more seriously diet classes in grade school. Maybe take twenty-five percent of the anti-drug PSA funding and create some anti-obesity public service announcements. Better yet, as I wrote in an older post, put it into the hands of employers to ensure their employees aren’t dangerously overweight. It would be in their best interest right?
Well, either way, I’m intrigued to see if our policy makers on the hill will consider the tax on pizza and soda. Especially if they’re going to continue stalling on any forward progress regarding health care policies. It’s the least they could do.
Editor’s Note: This is the 200th post on IRdC. Do assume there is confetti involved in our celebration here at the IRdC offices. And when I say confetti I mean beer.
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