Editor's Note: The “fat tax” and healthcare were top of mind for Wednesday’s American Morning audience. Overwhelmingly, viewers supported a tax on “junk.” Some suggest it was a positive move for fairness reasons: “Let's start being fair by taxing everything that is unhealthy so that smokers do not have to bare the entire burden for people who choose to be unhealthy in other ways.” Some wondered if those receiving food stamps would suffer disproportionably regarding medical issues, as soda is tax free.
- Lauri: If we decide to tax "Junk Food" I am all for it, but why can't we remove the availability to get these types of items with Food Stamp cards. There should be tight restrictions on only be able to buy good food with our tax dollars since our tax dollars go towards health care of those using the cards just for "Junk". Now, in the state of Texas, you can buy anything on those cards except alcohol and tobacco. We MUST take action if we want a healthier nation to remove the "Junk Food" from the list. This is a low-income family which already has too many problems to add obesity for children and adults. I don't even buy that stuff except from time to time. A healthier child has a better chance at being a better student and getting out of needing food stamp cards. How do we get that discussion started.
- Carol: Re the proposal on adding tax on sugar drinks: What a terrific idea. However, it will not "hurt" the poorest, as Federal Food Stamp Program does not tax its recipients. They may purchase the product TAX FREE. Will that mean more health problems in the future with those on food stamps?
- Mike: I'm all for a tax on foods that have NO NUTRITIONAL VALUE. I'm a smoker and they taxed the hell out of cigarettes because they have deemed them bad for me. Well fair is fair... there are a LOT of items on the grocery store shelves that has none if any nutritional value. Let's start being fair by taxing everything that is unhealthy.. so that smokers do not have to bare the entire burden for people who choose to be unhealthy in other ways... i.e. eating unhealthy foods that they lead to diabetes or obesity or both... which cost more than cigarette related illnesses. Thank you.
- Dave: This is a simple question. WHY CAN'T THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES HAVE THE SAME MEDICAL COVERAGE AS GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES? Why are they considered better than the rest of us? How about a discussion on this subject?
How do you feel about a “fat” tax? Does such a tax disproportionably target poor families? Is it fair, as “Mike” the viewer states, that non-nutritional foods should be taxed just as cigarettes are taxed for smokers? How will such a tax affect your family?
Many remained concerned, as they grappled with the details of the proposed health care bill. Some suggested positive alternatives to health care, such as an incentive program; others wondered why Congress felt the need to create a “uniquely American” program, when great universal care programs exist around the globe. Another contingent believed universal care should be the same as the government receives. A final group opposed the program outright.
- Daniel: Instead of proposing negative/disincentives with respect to health and healthcare (i.e. taxing benefits, taxing unhealthy foods, etc.) how about providing POSITIVE healthy incentives. Here's the idea: every citizen receives a government -issued ID card with magnetic strip. Every time you exercise on a designated machine, you swipe your card and your exercise is recorded (adjusted for age) in credits – kind of like an airline mileage program. Every time you purchase fresh fruits and vegetables you swipe your card at checkout and receive credits. If you are overweight, you can weigh in at specially equipped scales and if you lose weight you get credits. The program works just like an airline mileage program. Your credits are stored in a central databank and you get e-statements periodically. You can cash in your credits for merchandise, perks (free entry to national parks, historic sites, etc.). You also get emblematic souvenirs – tee shirts, hats, etc. announcing to the world your level of attainment and commitment to healthy living! Where's the money to pay for all this? In reduced medical costs to the public because of the enhanced health of our citizens.
- Cindy: With typical American arrogance, Congress is trying to come up with our own "uniquely American" approach to healthcare reform. Why don't we look at what is already working in the countries that have better results from their health care systems than we have? THIS is what our news sources need to report . . . the dire need for reform, and what is already working in other countries. PLEASE help inform the public so we can actually move to the top of the list (where most Americans think we already are)!!
- Susan: Here is what most Americans don't want. We all have seen it happen on our jobs with good health care insurance, is when people abuse the health care system and keep running to the doctor for absolutely nothing, especially for every little pain with their children. This action has hurt a lot businesses. So, something has to be done so this won't happen. Some people because it is free practically abuse the health care system. Doctors also abuse it by lying and saying they ran test when they really didn't.
- Dave: This is a simple question. WHY CAN'T THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES HAVE THE SAME MEDICAL COVERAGE AS GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES? Why are they considered better than the rest of us? How about a discussion on this subject?
- Lynda: We had better hope this Government Health Care Bill does not pass. All Americans will be hit hard, not just the Wealthy. If you have good coverage now, you won't have if this bill passes.
With more details about the proposed health care plan being shared with Americans, where do you now stand on the bill? Would having the exact same coverage as government employees make this bill acceptable to all in Congress? How do you feel about the idea that Americans will receive a “lesser” version of heath care than our elected officials? Should the entire bill be scrapped and Congress start again?