Monday, September 14, 2009

Opinion Editorial Topic Paragraph- "Fat Tax"

A tax should be placed on food items high in sugar or fat content. This tax would increase the awareness of unhealthy eating habits and help promote a healthier society. I will address the current obesity problem in the United States and various ineffective methods trying to combat it. I will also address possible uses for the funds generated by the tax. Many questions arise from this topic and I will do my best to answer them. Some of these questions include the determination of what foods to tax and whether healthy eating habits should remain a personal decision. This issue affects BYU students in particular because food high in sugar and fat content is often the cheapest and usually fills a student's apartment. Healthy food is often times more expensive and takes longer to prepare.

5 comments:

  1. Jen, I would suggest investigating the current opposing views against the fat tax and think about how you are going to counter these. I would also be sure to get some stats on the increase of obesity both in the general population and in the teen-young adult range.

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  2. I feel that many people may oppose this "fat tax" because of the current economic crisis and that there are already too many taxes. It might be beneficial to talk about how many people oppose the "fat tax" now, but maybe the tax will have a better chance in the future if the economy returns from its descent.

    Also, I think it would be good to address what constitues high in fat or sugar to clear up any possible disagreements between fast food companies and health advisors.

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  3. I believe that it would be a creative way for the government to not only obtain money (even though it probably wouldn't be that much)but indirectly force the people into eating better. It's amazing how money controls us and our habits. But I would definitly look for stats. How frequently does the average person buy and eat highly sugary/ fatty foods? How many don't buy such things. By what means do people obtain these foods. Like vending machines, fast food restaurants, handouts ect.

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  4. I would love to see something like this actually take full stride in our government. It's always baffled me why the best things needed for our body are the most expensive. This is a big topic with alot of doors leading in and out. I myself would try to make sure I don't go into areas that I don't need to be in. Do take into account opposing arguments but don't allow anyone to poke holes in your argument for posing to general of an argument.

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  5. Its a cool idea. i mean it probably would give the governement alot of money. but one opposing viewpoint could be that a fat tax really wouldnt help people become healthier it would just make them pay more to be unhealthy. i mean take ciggaretes for example. Cigarettes cost quite a bit and yet people who are poor and who really cant afford them buy them anyway..i know that fatty foods arent as addictive as nicotine but still it may be something you want to address or think about as an opposing viewpoint

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