Taxes to Control Your Habits

The government has heavily taxed things that are easy targets like alcohol and cigarettes. It's not so hard to get public opinion to swing in favor of them. I've warned in the past that those supporting such taxes were next on the list and it now appears that is where we are heading. Some people may not realize it but one of the basic principals of the Cap & trade provision in the energy bill is since the energy prices go up you will consume less. In other words it's a penalty for using energy. Not only will it generate revenue but it's intended to help control your energy use habits.

It's not just energy but the food you consume that is also next on the list. We've had the ban of trans-fat which although a worthy cause is really none of the governments business. In California there are already laws in place stipulating how many fast food restaurants can be in some areas and one law that required fresh fruits and vegetables be available in corner stores. Both of these laws were set to deal with issues of inner city problems where they the people living there couldn't get decent food.

One new proposal on the table is a new tax on soda to help fund the new health care policy.

Soda Tax Weighed to Pay for Health Care

Senate leaders are considering new federal taxes on soda and other sugary drinks to help pay for an overhaul of the nation's health-care system.

The taxes would pay for only a fraction of the cost to expand health-insurance coverage to all Americans and would face strong opposition from the beverage industry. They also could spark a backlash from consumers who would have to pay several cents more for a soft drink.

So what's next? Red meat? What other foods deemed unhealthy will taxed, Snack Foods? Eggs? Dairy?

Are we all going to be eating tofu in 20 years.

Can we please have one non partisan topic, thanks. If you guys want to bash Democrats or Republicans go use the other forum. I want to keep the discussions here above the board so to speak.