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Posted on 12/17/2007 9:17:23 AM PST by jdm
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- For years, the idea of taxing soda to beat back obesity has been tossed around in medical circles. But now, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom is proposing a tax on beverages high in fructose corn syrup.
Newsom says obesity accounts for tens of millions of dollars in city health care costs. He cites a recent San Francisco Health Department survey that found nearly a quarter of the city's 5th, 7th and 9th graders were overweight and that high sugar drinks make up a tenth of a kid's daily calorie count.
Newsom reportedly wants all big box retailers and chain drug stores to pay into his new "Shape up San Francisco" program, which started this past summer with a walking regimen.
This comes as the state of California is considering slapping caffeine-infused sodas, and energy drinks with warning labels, saying consumption can contribute to diabetes.
Oh, the horror: 10%. What does that mean, though? When I was that age, I probably drank six Coke's a day, for a total of, say, 1,000 calories. But, according to this study, that would mean I also ate another 9,000 calories during the day (given the 10% figure they cite). Something doesn't jive right here, does it? Just do the math.
I doubt I've ever consumed more than 3,000-4,000 calories on any given day, let alone three times that.
But not fruits?
I have to wonder just how far the Commies in SF will go.
Tax gay sex instead.
Of course, we know that this is not really about public health.
This from a town where the most used pickup line is “pardon me, may I push in your stool”.
Their revenues would exceed the GNP of most European nations.
Oh good they will return to real sugar.
Think of all the $$ that would be rolling in....
This is not about encouraging health, it’s about raising taxes. Bottled water was taxed by these idiots and now soft drinks. Alcohol is already taxed. Tap water? That’s subject to the utilities tax. Now you can’t even quench your thirst without the libs in San Francisco getting a piece. Unless you drink directly from the bay.
This new tax just adds to the existing CRV “California Redemption Value” (Communist Ripoff Vig) tax on bottles and cans.
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San Fransicko is a poster child for what Hellary Clinton or Osama Obama would bring to all of the United States so here to San Fransicko.
Please raise more taxes and for Gods sake...oops for devils sake please enact more stupid and inane environmental laws that can not be enforced.
What a bunch of totally stupid people that live in the city by the bay.
To some of my relatives please move out, your giving me heart burn and making me think that you have something to hide by living there.
Pity they didn't tax Twinkies years ago.
Misleading article title.
Soda pop made with high fructose corn syrup does not taste as good as stuff made with genuine sugar, but is costs more to make. Once or twice a year Coke makes their beverage with real sugar for special purposes and it is a night and day taste difference. I wish they would have the real sugar Coke available all the time. As it is, I only get the real stuff once every few years.
That being said, I doubt if the mayor of SF even knows that. He is probably just going after any and all sweet drinks.
Vote for the Huckster and it will be national.
“This comes as the state of California is considering slapping caffeine-infused sodas, and energy drinks with warning labels, saying consumption can contribute to diabetes.”
Caffeine causes diabetes???
I could see them pointing a finger at high fructose corn syrup, but caffeine?
And any connection between this legislation and “Michael Savage”’s son owning the Rockstar Energy Drink company?
I just love watching how socialism works and the people who fall for it.
San Fransickos can drink bodily fluids from one another with no “sin” taxes. The Lavender Mafia has a powerful lobby.
Still, it couldn't possibly compare to what it costs to treat those who are deliberately spreading AIDS. The City spends untold amounts to treat gays and help the homeless, but it picks on fat kids instead. Buncha bullies and jackasses.
How about coin-operated drinking fountains?
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