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Comment by _g6gm | Hacker News Reader

Yes, similar racket. Nothing you can say justifies more tax.

So you're of the opinion that people who engage in voluntary activities for personal pleasure that put a higher burden on the health system, that those who are more wise about their choices have to use, should not have to pay thier way?

Or are you of the opinion that someone should be denied emergency medical care because they had some sodas on the regular?

You're missing the point. Those who pursue voluntary activities that "burden the health system" don't "pay their way".

Those who pay are everyone else. Healthcare t's a tragedy of the commons unlike other taxes where it's more difficult to abuse the common resource such as roads and other infrastructure.

Roads are frequently built on the expense of the many to the benefit of the few.

So what are you for?

Of course! I mean, yeah, sure, taxes on unhealthy products may increase the average health of a population, which results in reduced healthcare costs, greater economic productivity by reducing worker sickness, and may save thousands of life-years across the population and increase their quality of life. But does that really justify the state taking a percentage of the price I pay for a pack of cigarettes?

More more more more moooooooore comrade! Take it all, everything! Don't subsidise better options, just take MOOOOOOOORE!

So your gripe is with the type of state intervention?

Non-sugary foods and drinks are already heavily subsidized - like all agriculture - and that's something necessary to maintain food security. People still choose the unhealthy stuff.

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