May 12, 2009
Was I right? Nothing in life is truly free?

Posted at 6:12 pm, in: Health Care, Taxes
Tags: Sugar Tax

And from the brilliance that is Capitol Hill, a proposal to help pay for the proposed socialization of our health care system:

Senate leaders are considering new federal taxes on soda and other sugary drinks to help pay for an overhaul of the nation’s health-care system.

The taxes would pay for only a fraction of the cost to expand health-insurance coverage to all Americans and would face strong opposition from the beverage industry. They also could spark a backlash from consumers who would have to pay several cents more for a soft drink.

On Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee is set to hear proposals from about a dozen experts about how to pay for the comprehensive health-care overhaul that President Barack Obama wants to enact this year. Early estimates put the cost of the plan at around $1.2 trillion. The administration has so far only earmarked funds for about half of that amount.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest, a Washington-based watchdog group that pressures food companies to make healthier products, plans to propose a federal excise tax on soda, certain fruit drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks and ready-to-drink teas. It would not include most diet beverages. Excise taxes are levied on goods and manufacturers typically pass them on to consumers.

See, I warned you. You thought they were just going to keep coming after us repulsive smokers, but it’s too soon for that (don’t worry, I realize they’ll be increasing taxes on my cigs, again). With the tobacco companies temporarily off limits, it looks like the sugar industry is next. Who wants to take bets on when the fast food industry will be targeted? It’s only a matter of time, people. Don’t be fooled! Money is being spent and taxes will have to be raised.

We have been saying for quite some time that nothing is free. The proof is in the pudding, or at least the taxation of the pudding that’s not sugar-free. I’m sorry. I’m just not right. Deriving personal pleasure off of my moment in the sun where I get to scream out: I TOLD YOU SO!

That’s neither here nor there. Taxing “sugary” soft drinks isn’t going to fully cover what will inevitably be the rising costs of government run (and controlled) health care in America. The companies being taxed will pass the taxes onto consumers. So, you’ll still be paying for your health care (while you’re also paying for everybody else’s). It’s all so communal and beautiful! A society that takes care of one another. Kumbaya, my Lord, Kumbaya! Let’s roast marshmellows!

And, what do you think will happen when the revenue derived from these taxes isn’t enough to cover the runaway costs of “free” health care? They’ll go after other industries, which will pass the taxes onto you through raising the prices of their products. Eventually, the government will come straight to the source: YOU!

There is no such thing as “free” health care. You can only traget smokers and “the rich” so much. It’s only a matter of time before they start coming after everybody. How long before they lower their $250,000 income figure to $150.000 and raise taxes on your family? Oh wait, they’ve already raised taxes on your family by raising taxes on those items your family buys. I bet you didn’t think of it that way.

(H/T: Memeorandum)