Tax on Soda, Yea, that Fixes Everything

So the government wants to frown on soda in the war on obesity. Why? They have thrown a bunch of facts and health experts out on the idiot box to tell everyone how much better things will be once this tax goes through, but I do not believe anything will come of it other than more money lining government pockets and fewer bills in average citizens' wallets. These products have labels right on the packages with all the health facts and contents listed, so what the hell happened to a little common sense regarding what a consumer puts into their body on a regular basis? My diet does not regularly consist of fast food and a soda every meal, but even if it did I am still young enough, in good enough shape, and I still lead an active enough lifestyle that I could get away with that kind of living if I chose to do so. It all comes down to choice; my decision to drink soda should not be penalized because others are whining about their poor choice in lifestyle and diet.

Fix obesity?

Taxing beverages that are sugary and contain high fructose corn syrup will do absolutely nothing to end America's obesity epidemic. The extensive taxes on cigarettes have shown that taxing products that are not "good" for the consumer does not stop the consumer from buying these products. Sugary beverages are hardly the only cause of obesity in the United States, yet they are the first on the bill to be taxed. What about the hordes of fast-food restaurants that clutter our cities and streets offering their quick-fix, high-calorie breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus? I'm sure if McDonalds stops carrying sodas, people will no longer be drawn to the several-hundred-calorie grease -sopped burgers wrapped in cheap paper and cardboard for only a few bucks.

Personal responsibility.

The task of looking in the mirror and seeing that you are dangerously overweight is not a difficult brain teaser. No college courses needed here folks, all you have to do is turn to the side and see the enormous muffin top, look down and see the bagel of fat that was once your belly button, or put on your pants and realize you have to wear them over your stomach in order to mask the fat fighting its way over your belt.

Now that we have identified that we are overweight or at risk, let's take a little responsibility for our own lives and health and do something about it. Stop taking the easy way out. America has the fastest and easiest ways of getting where you want to be and eating what you want to eat with little to no effort needed. Stop taking the escalator or elevator and use the age-old method of going up a floor by taking the stairs. Stop driving around the parking lot for an extra ten minutes; park in the back of the lot and walk the extra fifty yards to get into the mall or movie theatre. Learn to cook for yourself. By preparing meals yourself, you cut down on a lot of the evil preservatives and fat in most quick-fix fast food meals and you will see results faster. Take an hour or two a week and go for a walk around the park in your area. Who could not benefit from a little self-reflection to get a better look at where they are going? The peaceful surroundings, fresh air, and the simple act of walking will be a pleasant and fulfilling experience at the end of the day.

Taxing our food will do absolutely nothing to encourage people to take an active approach to a healthier life. Last I checked, when people had to pay more to enjoy the things they like, all they end up doing is working longer hours and having less time to potentially better themselves.

Have other options been considered?

What about the folks who have a Mountain Dew on their fifteen minute break at work just to get a little more pep in their step while they finish out the day? Just because they have one every now and then does not mean they are going to fall victim to obesity or diabetes. How about the guy who is in AA and finally makes his way out into social settings with friends where drinking is involved? He is supposed to pay more for a cold Coca-Cola than others spend on their Pabst Blue Ribbon? Perhaps businesses will stop carrying non-alcoholic beverages since the price will be too steep to keep in stock. Sure, that will fix everything.

Why not assist positively?

If the government really wants to jump in and take an active role against obesity and diabetes in our country, why not assist programs that encourage a healthier lifestyle rather than punish everyone who indulges in a few sweets now and then?

How about government loans or tax breaks to small businesses that make the effort to serve higher quality food and alternatives to fast food? If there were a McDonalds, a Burger King, and a Pita Pit with a drive-through all next to one another and they were all open around 11 p.m., I would wager that people would feel better about themselves and their choice of dining by eating a healthier meal from Pita Pit than McDonalds' or Burger King's so-called healthy salad alternatives. Why not throw a benefit or two in the direction of the healthier alternatives than openly tax all businesses?