Comments about ‘Tax tobacco, not food, Utahns say’

We should tax soda, ice cream and Jello. They are used by more people, are also dangerous to your health, and are a guilty pleasure just like smoking! Utah taxes sinners (as the dominant religion see them), isn't gluttony a sin as well? Liquor and tobacco - easy targets used by Utah's minority. Obesity caused by over eating - my bishop says look the other way.

Discrimination, you make some good points.

Even though I'm a soda drinker, I completely agree that we should look at taxing soda. Leaving the argument of discrimination aside, obesity is a growing problem in our state and soda is a major contributing factor. The obesity rates in our country have grown with the increase in soda consumption. Even diet sodas are devoid of nutrients, contain harmful ingredients, are an item of indulgence. We need to get healthier and we need more revenue. Connect the dots.

So the majority wishes to tax the minority and avoid the taxes. How utterly despicable.

They just had to ask if Utahns would like to pay more taxes on tobbaco. Good methodolgy to imply that those who use tobbaco want to pay more taxes for it. Did they bother to ask those they polled if they used tobbaco, of course not. The somkers say tax fairly and the non smokers say just tax tobbaco. What a rigged poll, just as they all are. And it was probably paid for with taxe by the law makers to rig a poll.

There is a clear difference here. Soda and ice cream can be used in moderation without causing cancer. Tobacco is the only widely-used product that cannot be consumed in a healthy way at all--even in moderation.

There are no scientific studies indicating that Jello causes cancer.

I agree...smoking cigarettes and drinking soda pop is a CHOICE. Eating is a necessity. You'll hurt the ones the most who have the least.

I agree with raising property taxes, also. If you can afford a mc-mansion, you can afford to pay more taxes on it...

Oh, yeah, and I don't smoke, but I do drink soda pop and own a house. I just think it needs to be thought through a little better.

The legislature should not impose a taz system that encourages the use of harmful substances, or any other vice for that matter. The egislature should be encouraging old fashioned values such as temperance, forbearance, and moderation.