The Exponent (West Lafayette, Ind.) Editorial
June 17, 2009

The United States’ taxing history begins with tea and, now with their most recent attempt, it might include another popular beverage: Soda.

The Senate Finance Committee is looking to pass a federal excise tax on soda and other drinks sweetened with sugar, high-fructose corn syrup and other sweeteners.

Although we applaud the efforts the Senate is making to help fight obesity and other health problems that come from a diet high in sugar, the Senate is taking it a step too far.

Whether you’re an avid reader of nutrition labels or not, you’ve been warned that drinking soda is not the healthiest choice.

Taxing cigarettes is one thing; they are packed with addictive substances. But there’s no need to play the role of mom and dad by slapping a higher tax on soda in hopes that consumers nationwide will cut down on calories and these sugary beverages.

The United States of America has a reputation for its freedom, which isn’t free, so although the Senate is making an effort to help American’s with their health problems, too much is too much.

Yes, it’s true that Americans are having more and more problems fighting obesity, but people are responsible enough to know what kind of healthy or unhealthy choices they’re making. It’s up to them to decide, not the Senate.

Besides, if the Senate can get away with taxing soda and therefore find a way to pay for health reforms, why would they stop there?

Does this mean that a couple of years down the road they’re going to start taxing anything and everything that puts Americans’ health at risk? Will we now have to splurge on items such as chocolate because the Senate proclaimed they’re not good for us and decided to pass a tax on all things sure to fix a sweet tooth?

Will the Senate then decide that Americans need to stop spending their time watching television and exercise instead? So then does this mean cable TV will soon start to become a casual luxury?

Thanks, but no thanks. What Americans need is a change of lifestyle, not higher priced sugary beverages.