The Government and Your Health

Last week I heard a news story that some researchers are pushing for taxes on sugar and soda pop since they claim sugar causes so many health problems. You can see their study and proposal here.

I think there is definitely a time and a place for government to protect it's citizens, but I think they should focus on the basics like making sure we don't have toxic chemicals in the public water system as opposed to playing food police.

I don't smoke. I think it is one of the unhealthiest things a person can do, but I have mixed feelings about the government's efforts to shame and tax smokers. Once you start making rules, regulations, and taxation for activities that they know to be unhealthy or detrimental to society, it could be hard to stop.

I agree that most Americans eat too much sugar, but I don't think we need the government to step in and police the situation. They have already tried to help with tobacco, hydrogenated oils, and toys in kid's meals. I'm worried if the trend keeps up then eventually we will have regulations about eating balanced meals or how many times we should chew our food before we can swallow it.

I believe most Americans make poor decisions every day that sabotage their health and impact society as a whole, but I also believe that individuals know what they are doing. Let's not be like the guys who try to sue McDonalds because eating there for 10 years made them fat.

As nice as it would be to have governments solve all of our problems, it still takes discipline, education, and self control for individuals to make the necessary changes. If a person is going to live a healthy life, then there has to be some accountability. I am not trying to pick on the government or the researchers who came up with this idea. I agree with their findings, but I think education is the answer as opposed to taxation. Besides, I already have to pay a tax whenever I purchase sugar.