Should we make a "fat tax"?

[harrisonconstantinou]

Corporate Fat Food Tax- Under 25,000 profit=20%, Over 25,00 profit=34%

[getrealthen]

what about the people who have Bulimia with dental caries, they are unhealthy, and cost unnecessary cost.....i say tax the people with dental caries who force themselves to vomit.....I don't feel like paying for their dental care anymore.

And besides......there is one area of Africa where there are no sick people......think about that....and who just visited Africa? HUM????

[montsyblackmadonna]

The Bible says that sloth and gluttony are sins.The fat have made of their bodies one big greasy blob.The Bible says that your Body is the Temple of God.Therefore the fat are knowingly or unknowingly serving the antichrist spirit,and satan himself.

Impeach Antichrist Obama Now.

Ban gay marriage now !

Sarah Palin 2012 !

[djn00nan]

i dont necesserally agree w/ taxing unhealty foods, but then again id rather not have my taxes pay for some asshole on welfare to get a powerchair and rootcanals cuz he sits on his ass and has icecream and beer all day. they aleady raised beer/cig taxes, why not sugarshit? id rather pay a little more for somethin thats already not good for me, than to pay for someone elses lack of willpower to change themselves.

[atamala1]

what about underweight kids? will health insurance cover the increased cost of "fattening" foods for those who actually need them-but don't have the means to pay more?  When you're ADHD or have other metabolism issues-it's not soda, but other fattening foods that are needed. What will he do for them? There are an awful lot of tiny kids-but no one concerns themselves with them (they can't give you more money!)

[8361525]

Nothing Is Solved By Taxing Products With Sugar.

[8361525]

They should Tax Mcdonalds and such companies.

[nycesltalk]

OK. Tax the companies. And if they just raise their prices, isn't that the same as taxing the consumers?

[8361525]

Thats What I'm Saying.Tax The People who buy it is what I meant.

[iquestionit]

Find something else to do than annoy us with these terrible videos

[nycesltalk]

Who asked you to watch? If you don't like my videos please don't watch them. As my mama said "If you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all".

[75630KaraokeStar]

I don't blame overweight or obese people for their addictions but I do blame society for covering up the truths behind what is and what is not healthy for us. Schools are now getting better at educating children and their families but more needs to be done. A person does not need give up fast foods and the such they just need to cut way back on how much they consume. Giving up fatty foods is not giving up taste.

[juhhad1962]

The problem with this country is everyone wants to gain on other peoples missery. Like I said earlier if we keep adding more taxes then we should just hand are paycheck over to the Government. I don't care what the subject is someone is going to disagee. If you have not been obese then you should not say what is right, or what should be done. until you have dealt with this problem you don't understand what some people deal with. Everyone is so eager to blame one problem on another.

[juhhad1962]

If America don't make a stand on taxing things just because they are bad. or making laws because someone done something stupid. It seems are only concern is to make more money for Government,or Big Business. But if they deem it is bad, and they want to add more tax. then take the product off the market. Just because someone don't use the product it's fine to tax it. This look at Alcohol,and Cigarettes we added more tax and there are just as many people using this product. where's the money

[juhhad1962]

Come on Americs wake up. If these things are bad for us take it off the market. Tobacco,Drugs,Beer,Guns,Medici­ne,Fast Food, Junk Food, And anything else that can hurt us. Don't Tax anymore the Government is living large off everyone's taxes. No Wonder we are in the shape will are in. Why don't we just hand are paycheck to the Government

[nycesltalk]

so your point is that if something is bad, it should just be illegal. Anything that has "sin taxes" on it like alcohol or cigarettes, they should all just be illegal? And junk food too?

[75630KaraokeStar]

People have the freedom to use whatever sinful thing they want to use but if it means they have to pay a little extra so be it. America is about free market and people having choices so it would not be acceptable to get rid of bad stuff. The government though has a right to tax within reason any product they deem necessary. Does it suck? Yes it does. Still, poor health cost taxpayers plenty every year. If people don't get healthy at least taxes will cover some of the burden already taking place.

[chosethenails]

Good points 75630KaraokeStar I don't take issue with a tax on sodas.

There needs to be some kind of response to the staggering number of overweight (63%) and obese (31%) Americans. What doesn't make sense is the name for the tax. The purpose is to recoup economic losses, not losses directly because of obesity. If this is the case, why call it a "fat tax"? The tax doesn't exist to help people who are working with extra weight and could possibly cause more damage. The tax does not seem thought out

[chosethenails]

Were the name of the tax changed to "Unhealthy foods tax" and broader in spectrum to include fountain sodas sold at restaurants as well as food at fast food restaurants then the tax would make more sense. It might succeed in weening people from these low nutrition processed foods and while recouping economic losses also save money by increasing the general health in the city. As it stands the tax serves a singular purpose of increasing cash flow for the city and would not serve the obese.

[75630KaraokeStar]

Very good points chosethenails. I agree that the tax needs to be broader and truly go after the companies who promote early death to the American people.

At least many of our crappy foods have cut out TFA's or Trans Fatty Acids. Also known as PHO's or Partially Hydrogenated Oils. More needs to be done but that is a start.

[75630KaraokeStar]

I agree and believe that before passing a tax hike it should be fair and cover all the bases. I don't care for the name "Fat Tax" either so that should be changed. I am at risk for heart trouble and I am far from fat. Still my body mass index rating is probably not where it should be. As Americans many of us live with the lie that somehow the only people who are health risk are fat people. This just is not the case. Jobs should insist on health screenings.

[BlarneyTTS]

So basically Gov. Patterson and NY state needs like 15 billion. Patterson wants to also tax health clubs (4%). Where does all this money from taxes go? Why didn't NY need 15 billion last year? Alternative is to go to the Hotel and Motel tax and tax airplane tickets to leave and come in NY. The people that can afford these luxuries can surely pay a little extra to support the "FAT TAX". That's what it is FAT. Then next year you'll hear of a surplus, go figure. :O

[nycesltalk]

So you would absolutely support a "millionarie's tax" before any taxes on food.

[charmedloverandfan]

no more taxes we can't afford to eat now you want people to die from lack of food that will solve the health care issue no one will be left to need it. go take from the richer people stop taxing us poor folks

[75630KaraokeStar]

People will not die for a lack of food but they will doe for eating the foods that contribute to an early grave. One way or the other people will have to pay. I would rather pay a slight tax increase on unhealthy foods rather than pay to cover other peoples health expenses.

[nycesltalk]

OK, so kind of an "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" idea. You believe as long as we will have some responsibility for other members in society, it is better to do it early when it is cheaper.

[kfoley7]

For the ounce of prevention, pound of cure argument to have any relevance, we would have to ignore the fact that Paterson is also proposing a tax on health club membership fees. Regular cardiovascular and Strength training exercise has proven to be an effective prevention method for several diseases.

[charmedloverandfan]

yes they will they can die if they dont eat enough foods we do need fat food in our life style

[chosethenails]

I don't agree with the proposed "Fat tax." Many people who are not overweight also drink sodas with sugar in them. This also seems to say that diet sodas are ok, but there are tons of studies out showing that these don't solve the problem either.

There are many different ways people can become obese and while choosing poor food plays a big role lifestyle is also paramount. Switching a fat person to diet soda (because it is cheaper) isn't going to make them thinner.

[nycesltalk]

So you think diet sodas are not healthier and will not help anyone really lose weight. And also you think what you drink is just a small part of the whole picture of why people are obese.

[chosethenails]

Regarding Diet sodas, Aspartame has yet to be proven "safe." Also studies show that those who are obese use diet sodas as a mental pat on the back and let themselves eat more calories because they drink a diet soda.

Baring those who are forced to live a sedentary lifestyle or have an actual genetic reason obesity is an escape from reality or food may be used to not feel emotion. Increasing the cost of sugary drinks and labeling this a fat tax seems more likely to generate defensiveness.

[chosethenails]

I do not see any issue with raising the cost of sodas, the issue is with the false justification that this change will somehow benefit those who are obese.

It will not. When someone is obese because they are addicted to food it is a problem that they need to handle on a mental and/or emotional level.

In the shoes of an obese person I would feel even worse about myself if everyone had to pay more for sodas because of me. This would increase the guilt someone already experiences, not help.

[75630KaraokeStar]

You are correct chosethenails. Still poor health isn't just about obesity or being overweight. What the tax does do is help offset some of the burden already paid by the American people for the poor health choices many people make. There should be incentives beyond paying taxes to help people overcome poor health. Overeating is not the only problem. A poor diet of bad foods is enough to cause health concerns. I am a average sized guy with heart risk. My lifestyle has changed.

[cne08]

This is just a tax grab. It's not about making people healthy.

[nycesltalk]

So you don't think it can be for both: health and the economy. You think it is just a way to dig deeper in regular folks pockets.

[BlarneyTTS]

Do They "the educated ones" understand we are in a recession? It is like talking to a rock with them.

[nycesltalk]

So out of curiosity, they seem to need about two billion this year in either cuts or taxes. What would be your primary taxes or cuts? If you were going to raise taxes, who or what would you tax? If you were going to cut, what would you cut out of the budget?

[75630KaraokeStar]

I agree that the timing or any extra tax is stupid but I do see a time when it should happen. If it makes one person change their diet that is one less uninsured person having to cost the tax payers more anyhow. As I said, if employers were smart they would offer an incentive to employees to stay healthy. If you are fat or unhealthy let a professional gauge your health every six months. Those who are healthy stay healthy and those who are not get that way. I would diet for a cash incentive.

[BlarneyTTS]

I personally do not drink soda on a regular basis but these ideas that are coming from NY Patterson are some of the most "out" there ideas. Where is New Yorks money gone to? Pretty soon you will not be able to walk outside with out a tax on you. Cut some of the blow hard soap box senators pay and let's save some money. NY increases gas, alcohol, cigarette and other taxes, where does this money go, really? Where is all the NY lottery pay outs to help our schools?

[75630KaraokeStar]

Unfortunately Tax on alcohol and cigarettes has existed for a long time now and people have had to tow the line. Gluttony is a sin and since people with poor diets are usually gluttonous maybe bad foods should be taxed. You may say preposterous but I say if you are willing to pay taxes on alcohol and cigarettes why not bad foods? I am sure people will continue to eat and drink crap so the tax is stupid. Still no dumber than the taxes already being paid in the name of sin.

[IrishOK72]

The issue of childhood obesity bothers me more than most other social issues. However, I do not agree with a fat tax. If the government can tax drinks with sugar, what's stopping them from taxing food with sugar, food with high cholesterol, etc. I'm a history teacher and when I brought this up to a class of seventh graders they all likened the tax to those that the founding fathers fought against. This tax was not a platform of Patterson's nor was he ever elected on his own credentials.

[nycesltalk]

You make a good point that not only was he never elected but that he also never mentioned that he wanted to change health policies when he started as governor...

[75630KaraokeStar]

I totally like the idea of a tax on unhealthy foods and beverages. With that said I think employers could give employees incentives to watch their weight and remain healthy. They should do health checks once every six months and allow for moderate bonuses for passing health grades. Now, as I watch this video it looks like our video guy is superimposed into the background. Am I the only one who thinks this?

[nycesltalk]

Hi Karaokestar...

Superimposed huh? I shoot all my videos with a flip camcorder attached to either a tripod or a monopod (I used a monopod here). A monopod for those who don't know is a single pole; I think that accounts for the slight shifting you see in the background.

[nycesltalk]

Now, regarding your point, you believe that employers do have a right to say something about an employees weight. further, you think people who lose weight should earn more money although a fat person might do more work?

[75630KaraokeStar]

It's called incentive and the pay has little to no bearing on what a persons job performance is. What it does do is give a person a chance to earn extra money aside from the work they do. Employers pay more just having to keep up with unhealthy employees for time off and performance shortcomings. Health isn't always about weight but weight is an obvious signal to future trouble. For all, a half pound of prevention is worth an ounce of cure. If you can prevent it why should society pay?

[nycesltalk]

Karaokestar, sorry my skills aren't better or that I don't use better equipment, but it is what it is. I am teacher here in NYC helping adult immigrants improve their English and I make amateur videos as part of that. I don't have the video editing skills to superimpose anything. I work in an area in NYC called "restaurant row" that is full of restaurants so I decided to film this in front of one.

[75630KaraokeStar]

If you took offense to that remark I totally apologize I realize that you were really in front of the restaurant. I am not really all that hip to video or camera techniques. I simply thought that it almost looked like you were not really there. If that upset you that was not my desire. I simply made an observation. Wrong or right. Sorry to ruffle any feathers.

[rangerkev1]

If it is a fat tax. Then the fat should be taxed. I have a 10 percent body fat index and drink soda with sugar. First I have to pay for all the dumb people, Then I get to pay for the lazy. Now I'll have to pay for the FAT.

[nycesltalk]

So you believe fatter people should pay more taxes? Should they also pay more for tolls on bridges and more for mass transit?

[rangerkev1]

tolls on bridges. no 1 car 1 fee. If your big bottom takes up 2 seats on a plane,train,bus yes 2 fares. Public mass transit is exempt.

[70fury3]

Screw You Paterson!!! you socialist.. How about cut down your bloated retarded budget and streamline the FAT government!!Punish yourself not the people, you got us here!But as usual,we will bail you retards out!

[KseniyaK]

i EXACTLY agree!! i think it is right way to health life.... its like smoke`s tax.. YEAH, LETS SAY NO TO JUNK food! :)

[nycesltalk]

Ok. Thx for your comment. But he will not tax diet sodas. Do you think diet soda are healthy?

[KseniyaK]

NO............ the same..

[MashaGS]

Definitely people with obesity have more problems with there health, and so they pay more for health insurance, for medicines... I feel very pity for this people. Government has to accept that as a real problem and do something with this issue. Maybe ban a fast-food commercial on TV and instead explain people what is normal healthy nutrition, and set some taxes for fast-food. Because now it seems that nobody cares about this. Commercials even encourage feed children of fast-food. It's wrong.

[MashaGS]

My opinion it's not only unfair, it's silly. Not everybody likes diet drinks. For me its absolutely distasteful.Second, the problem of obesity lies not in the soda with sugar. Look at the peoples nutrition.Even if the one drink diet soda entire live, but continue eat "garbage" from McDonalds or pizza without any physical activity hell be definitely out of shape.I believe that government should really be worried about problem of obesity, instead of trying to earn money on that.Its a wrong way

[nycesltalk]

You are against it. you thiunk the problem is not so simple.

[nycesltalk]

But if people who are overweight have a greater chance of being sick and if that will cost all of society more money, shouldn't foods that make people fat have special taxes? Maybe there should be a 10 percent fastfood tax...?

[nycesltalk]

If you became governor, what would your policy be?