– Why Tax Just Soda? Why Not Tax Sugar? (Of Two Minds, Nov 4, 2014):
A recent revenue-enhancement fad in local government is to levy a tax on soft drinks. The tax is marketed to voters as a means of reducing soda consumption, which is presumed to be a contributor to the explosive rise in Type II diabetes, and more broadly, metabolic syndrome or diabesity.
While the intake of sugar/high fructose and sweetened beverages is certainly detrimental to health (see links below), it seems taxing sodas is more a topical excuse for skimming a new revenue stream than a meaningful way to reduce obesity/diabesity.
I have covered America’s declining health and fitness and the dramatic impact of high-sugar diets for many years:
…