Thursday, April 16, 2009

Fat-based Tactics

A couple of interesting policies to combat the ever-growing American waistline.

1) Both New York and Maine have proposed taxes on sugary beverages (in New York, this tax can levy as much as $3 per case of soft drink).

2) Meanwhile, United Airlines has joined several other air-carriers by charging double for passengers who cannot fit into the normal seat. This is certainly a relief for the normal-sized folks who have sat uncomfortably in the middle seat between a pair of not-so-svelte fellow travelers.

How will the public respond to these tactics? I'm sure the latter policy will generate some consternation and perhaps even rage. A legitimate case can be made for obesity being a disease, and such a policy, while beneficial to the majority (and for the cost-cutting airlines) may be viewed as unfairly discriminating by some. However, if any of these policies give someone pause next time they try to order a cruller or a 32-oz Coca Cola, consider them successful.

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