We seem to be breaking down, wallowing in our debilitation and lack of willpower. There is a group of people in America that on one hand opines that we Americans should be allowed to slowly kill ourselves through unhealthy food, and on the other hand complain about increasing taxes for the costs of affording the results of said unhealthy living. You should not be able to have it both ways; either support unhealthy living and pay taxes because of it, or don't support unhealthy freedom and don't pay taxes for it.
Look, we've got problems, and people need to start caring before America develops its own heart attack, per se.
Overweight and Obesity in the U.S. « Food Research & Action Center
Supposedly 2/3 of all U.S. adults are overweight/obese. That's insane.
Obesity Costs America $4 Billion Per Year At The Pump
This directly affects the cost of our gasoline. This likely affects our airlines in some way as well.
Health Buzz: 42 Percent of Americans Will Be Obese in 2030 - US News and World Report
The supposed projection for obesity in America is that 42% of all adults will be obese by 2030, and 1/4 of that group severely obese. The next 100 years if nothing is done...?
We need to act. If sin taxes "don't work" then perhaps we need to start applying regulations, because obviously education isn't reaching enough people. Charge people through their insurance for being obese. Don't feel sorry for them, because they know what they're doing. Don't charge them obscene amounts of money; start it very gradually, and moniter those results. Incorporate a "sin" tax as effectively as possible, like a scalpel. If taxing sugar and salt doesn't work, target doughnuts and fried food. Target what this group of people is inclined to devour.
Add some sort of gradual and minute benefit to those with the foresight of healthy eating. Wean the fat man off the nipple of the taxpayer, and wake up the taxpayer who supports unhealthy behavior yet complains about rising taxes.
You may think you have the freedom to kill yourself, but you don't have the freedom to kill America's future.
If there are valid links that showcase the results of Europe's regulation of healthy living that'd be deeply appreciated.