Comments on: San Francisco mayor wants fat tax on soda, soda industry wants fat tax on video games instead

By: Jim Tressor

Jim Tressor — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:58:52 +0000

I don’t think a fat tax is very practical – there are several things wrong with Pigouvian taxes in general. They are hard to calculate because it is impossible to determine the exact amount of externality caused, in this case by obesity, and they affect different people in different ways! Here is an article about why a fat tax wouldn’t work: http://www.mindreign.com/en/mindshare/Global-Economics/Fat-Tax/sl35291137bp387cpp10pn1.html

By: youknowit

youknowit — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 20:47:48 +0000

I think that is is good that the Beverage Assn. pointed the figure at game makers. Game Makers, in turn, should point there figure at fast food restaurants, and fast food restaurants…you get it. The reasons kids are fat are for various reason.

Note: “thank you for smoking” – Vermont is the number one killer by high cholesterol from their cheese argument. The mayor has pointed at soda cause its an easy target.

By: Brad

Brad — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 20:33:31 +0000

I’m actually getting fatter just sitting here reading about politicians’ bullshit plans to curb obesity.

I think we should tax bullshit, or general stupidity.

-Brad
http://www.clashofculture.com

By: electro^plankton

electro^plankton — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 20:24:49 +0000

Eh, even if they tax soda, what’s to stop people from driving to Oakland and hording supplies there?