Should Government Play A Role In Banning Trans Fat Use?

Ahnimus

JOEJOEJOE wrote:

The government controls cigarettes and alcohol, since they carry heavy social costs.

We, as citizens, foot the bill for medical care for people with black lungs or drink-ravaged livers.

As "big brother" as it may seem, the govt should have some say in food products....we have the FDA to approve certain foods.

Since it seems as if many Americans can't manage their eating habits, the govt will eventually have to pay for their impending medcial care.

Its sort of like when your HMO offers flu shots or nutrition counseling....its preventive medicine.

I don't think they should ban trans-fat, but they should press the industry to produce healthier substitutes.

This is not true. Governments, USA and Canada tax the sale of alcohol and cigarettes to cover the additional health costs. 10 years ago the cost of a package of cigarettes in Canada was $3.25/pack, 2 years ago it was $5/$6 per pack and now it is close to $10/pack. All adjustments were done in the name of covering health costs arrising from the use of tobacco.

Additionally this year our government applied an addition $0.30 tax to every bottle of alcohol to cover the health costs from alcohol abuse and the decrease in GST, which was also covered by the increase in Income Tax.

JOEJOEJOE

Ahnimus wrote:

This is not true. Governments, USA and Canada tax the sale of alcohol and cigarettes to cover the additional health costs. 10 years ago the cost of a package of cigarettes in Canada was $3.25/pack, 2 years ago it was $5/$6 per pack and now it is close to $10/pack. All adjustments were done in the name of covering health costs arrising from the use of tobacco.

Additionally this year our government applied an addition $0.30 tax to every bottle of alcohol to cover the health costs from alcohol abuse and the decrease in GST, which was also covered by the increase in Income Tax.

What isn't true about my post.......when I said "WE" foot the bill, I meant taxpayers who fund the govt.

Ahnimus

JOEJOEJOE wrote:

What isn't true about my post.......when I said "WE" foot the bill, I meant taxpayers who fund the govt.

Sorry, you were implying that non-smokers and non-alcoholics have to pay for the additional medical costs. While in fact, it is the actual smokers and drinkers that pay for it through additional taxing of cigarettes and alcohol.

JOEJOEJOE

Ahnimus wrote:

Sorry, you were implying that non-smokers and non-alcoholics have to pay for the additional medical costs. While in fact, it is the actual smokers and drinkers that pay for it through additional taxing of cigarettes and alcohol.

true, the tax covers some expenses, but i find it hard to believe that it covers all of the monetary and social costs caused by smoking/drinking.

Does the alcohol tax cover the medical care for an uninsured person who is injured by a drunk driver?

Does the tax cover the cost of jailing a habitual drunk driver?

Does the cigarette tax cover the cost of fighting fires caused by lit cigarettes left unattended?

Ahnimus

JOEJOEJOE wrote:

true, the tax covers some expenses, but i find it hard to believe that it covers all of the monetary and social costs caused by smoking/drinking.

Does the alcohol tax cover the medical care for an uninsured person who is injured by a drunk driver?

Does the tax cover the cost of jailing a habitual drunk driver?

Does the cigarette tax cover the cost of fighting fires caused by lit cigarettes left unattended?

In Canada? Probably. The tax is so high on cigarettes and alcohol it pays for more than just that.