"Fat Tax" Too Large?

Within the United States, much controversy has sprung around the issue of how much the government should regulate our eating habits. Events such as Michelle Obama's campaign against obesity and California's lawsuits against McDonald's Happy Meal toys have made this a prominent issue. However, this debate is not a domestic one. Denmark has created a "fat tax" against foods that are unhealthy. These "higher fees on sugar, fat and tobacco is an important step on the way toward a higher average life expectancy in Denmark." The tax is "very complex, involving tax rates on the percentage of fat used in making a product."

As I read this article, the only thing that came to my mind was how far is too far? Having the government regulate our eating habits is the same as a parent regulating the eating habits of their three year old toddler. Becca Feddor. The only difference is that most of us are adults capable of making their own decisions, and if we choose to be unhealthy, it is within our right to do so, and we should not be punished in the wallet. I for one, do not want to have to pay an extra fifteen cents for a burger every time I decide to get McDonald's or an extra forty cents every time I have to purchase butter for baking. Although I understand that a motive for this tax is to create a healthier country, I cannot help but feel that another plausible motive is to make extra cash. Hopefully, our government will not move towards the trend of becoming a nanny state treating its citizens as the three year old toddlers that we most certainly are not.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/world/8000266-418/danes-put-fat-tax-on-butter-oil.html