Question

Soda tax — Should people have to pay an extra tax on soda or junk food?

Research your topic using the Internet or other reference material. You may want to start with local or national newspapers, television news sources, or online encyclopedias. Please contact your instructor if you are unable to find appropriate sources. You may also want to review this learning object for tips on finding and using information.
Write a conversation between two people with different perspectives on your topic. Your conversation can be in the form of instant messages, text messages, or social media status updates. You may use this template to complete your assessment. Your conversation should include the following:
A total of at least five entries for each side (10 entries total—two to three sentences each) Accurate facts used to support both perspective At least two properly cited sources used for research
For information on how to properly cite sources review the MLA Citation Style presentation."

Answer 1

The conversation presents two perspectives on the topic of whether people should have to pay an extra tax on soda or junk food. One side argues that a tax can help reduce consumption and fund public health initiatives, while the other side believes that education and promotion of healthier choices are a better approach. Both perspectives provide valid points to consider in the discussion.

Step-by-step explanation:

A: I believe that people should have to pay an extra tax on soda and junk food. There are several reasons for this. First, soda and junk food are often high in sugar and unhealthy ingredients, which can lead to health problems like obesity and diabetes. Second, taxing these items can help generate revenue that can be used to fund public health initiatives. Lastly, implementing a soda tax has been shown to reduce consumption in some areas, which can have positive health outcomes.

B: I disagree. I don't think it's fair to single out soda and junk food for an extra tax. There are many other unhealthy food choices that people make, so why only tax these particular items? Plus, some people may rely on these affordable options as their main source of sustenance. Instead of taxing, we should focus on education and promoting healthier options.

A: While I understand your concerns, a soda tax is not about singling out specific foods but rather targeting those items that have been shown to have a negative impact on public health. Furthermore, implementing a soda tax has been successful in reducing consumption in various places, which can lead to improved health outcomes overall. Additionally, there are ways to mitigate the impact on lower-income individuals, such as offering subsidies for healthy food alternatives.

B: I still think that education and promotion of healthier choices would be a more effective approach. Instead of punishing people with taxes, we should focus on empowering them to make better choices. We can invest in nutrition education programs and make healthier options more readily available and affordable. Taxing soda and junk food may not necessarily solve the underlying issues of poor nutrition and unhealthy eating habits.

A: Education and promotion of healthier choices are certainly important, but they alone may not be enough to address the significant health risks associated with excessive consumption of soda and junk food. Implementing a tax can help discourage the consumption of these items, especially among vulnerable populations. It can also provide funding for initiatives that promote healthier lifestyles.