NY Governor Paterson wants "Obesity Tax"

Rick Moran

Those of us who smoke have seen this coming for years. Once the government gets it in its head that it can dictate what are acceptable behaviors, the sky's the limit.

In the case of New York state, Governor Paterson has determined that if you are overweight, it is the responsibility of the government to get you slim and trim:


The so-called obesity tax would generate an estimated $404 million a year. Milk, juice, diet soda and bottled water would be exempt from the tax.

I am surprised it will only raise $404 million........

This type of 'sin tax' has been around for as long as I can remember. They've just added a new 'sin' to the items which are already taxed.

That is absolutely absurd! Who are a few select people to tell millions how to live their life?!

If they want to be fat, let them be fat. Seriously, they have the option to be thin, there are ways to lose weight, its about will. Oh that is irritating!

I'm very disturbed by this measure. There are people who are considered over weight who are probably healthier than I am. Once we can get over this assinine concept that everyone should fall within a limited weight range, the sooner we accept ourselves and others for the beauty that is diversity. That Gov can shove it.

GO bb!

*sigh* Why, oh why can't the government stick to what it's supposed to do and BUTT OUT of everything else?!?!

This is not a tax on obesity. It is a tax on the sale of non-diet soft drinks. The "obesity tax" label is just an attempt to sensationalize the story in the media.

so for those of you against this, are you also against such a tax on cigs and alcohol?

It's called job security, Becca. So long as they continue passing laws they will have employment.

Because, much like some old posters here, they know what is best for you and for everyone else, better than you do.

With all of these bailouts and such, government increasing it's size and impact on our lives, and more rules like the one above is a very real possiblity.

It's not so much the government as to the stupid ignoramus' running the government.


They let big kids with money run around, and they mostly think because they have that seat of position they can do whatever they please!


Blah i hate stupid people.

Yeah well, just for the record, I'm against the bailouts as well. If a business can't stand on its own, it deserves to fail (and that includes the gov't!).

So... whats your point? Are you in support of taxing a product like this?

It's gov't way to try to increase taxes without increasing income tax, property tax, gas tax, etc.

Public health advocates welcomed news of the tax, saying it would help the fight against childhood obesity.

"Raising the price of this liquid candy will put children and teens on a path to a healthier diet," said Elie Ward of the American Academy of Pediatrics of New York

I wonder what, in this scholared poster's opinion, is the reason for this tax, since it is not about the hype-of-the-week "obesity epidemic".

let's not quibble, we can just call it the Liquid Candy tax

Yes, I am. Considering all the money I used to spend on smoking and all the money I presently spend on alcohol.

Exactly. And I'm against any and all additional or increased taxes. Ergo....I think this one's stupid, too. FWIW, it won't affect me personally at all since I don't drink sodas. It's the general principle that I object to.

My point is that to be an "obesity tax" you would have to be taxing obesity. No matter what your weight is, you would pay this same tax if you buy the product.

States have to balance their budgets and vitrually all of them will have a difficult time doing that in this economy. Some products are taxed more heavily than others in almost every state. This would just be another tax like the ones on alcohol and tobacco.

Yeah - right! That's really going to stop kids and teenagers from drinking sodas. Especially considering that they don't go to the store and purchase them usually.

This is just a fancy buzz word name for a new tax in NY. Go into any Pennsylvania store anywhere along the NY/PA border and look at all of the New Yorkers shopping in PA due to New York's high tax rate on most goods.

and Pooh knows since the 100 acre wood is in that vacinity!

and I hear the sales tax on foot wear is to be reinstated, so that guy from Bagdad would be well advised not to shop in NY for his new pair.

Shoes can be a projectile weapon, so that's all fine and good.

Wasn't this type of law already tried to be passed in Mississippi?

Great. Now, they're going to want us to register our shoes as a weapon.