Interesting idea. The analogy is of course around cigarettes and alcohol-neither of which has been affected significantly by taxation. The reality is that we find obese people unattractive (in the main) and therefore taxing them has both a fiscal and aesthetic benefit. As a smoker I already pay my taxes for the burden I pose on society (though I already pay enough income tax as it is)why should fat people not do the same? (cue torrent of "it's my glands" type responses).
Originally posted by Stefan R: Interesting idea. The analogy is of course around cigarettes and alcohol-neither of which has been affected significantly by taxation. The reality is that we find obese people unattractive (in the main) and therefore taxing them has both a fiscal and aesthetic benefit. As a smoker I already pay my taxes for the burden I pose on society (though I already pay enough income tax as it is)why should fat people not do the same? (cue torrent of "it's my glands" type responses).
Can't think of anything much more aesthetically worse than someone with a fag end hanging out their mouth, nicotine stained teeth, yellow fingers, ash on their jacket, coarse skin, raspy voice, and smoke-permeated clothing, but I don't mind my taxes being spent on improving your health if you fall ill, and have been unemployed your whole life, and not been able to contribute any taxes at all. I think it's called being compassionate.
