BIG Government is going after Big People? ... well, not yet - just North Carolina. Lawmakers of the state are prepared to enforce lifestyle taxes (via increased health insurance premiums) for state employees who smoke or have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or more - commencing in 2010 and 2011, respectively.Needless to say this is bringing out much support, in addition to strong opposition. An invasion of privacy, discriminatory even ... claims those against this tariff. Causing fear, that it could start the ripple of socialistic "Nanny States" punishing those who are keeping the country heavy and looming with the threat of preventable and costly diseases, often attributed to obesity. Totally a figurative slap in the face to those who claim natural obesity, medical-induced obesity, and Health at Every Size believers.
One of the contributors on MSNBC's CoJ this morning implied, "education isn't working, we have to do something". In, that resources to healthy insight are simply not being adhered to. As our waistlines grow, so does the state's fiscal bottom line. Like welfare, many claim to be tired of paying for their neighbor's shortcomings and the tax, will pull the reigns on the hike of insurance group rates boosted by obesity-related expenses.
Some have added that considering President Obama's vow to NOT increase the deficit from health care reform (forgive my ignorance, I'm still confused as to how this is possible) ... unleeeeess we take into account all of these controversial conceptual "taxes" ... Soda Pop & Sugary Drinks Tax, Botox/Plastic Surgery Tax ... and well this ... a Fat Tax ... ~PC
Thoughts?
Source: Reflector "Fat tax lazy: Punitive State Health Plan Lacks Effort"
PEOPLE NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. FAT IS NOT A DISEASE IT'S A LIFESTYLE. I SUPPORT THIS AND HOPE THEY BRING IT TO NEW YORK!!!!!
ReplyDeletewhat's next, air? i kid. i see their point but this is a bit much. and humiliating too it's none of their business what someone else's bmi is. it's like if you are fat and work for that state there's going to be a stigma on you. i'm questioning whether stuff like this is going to one day turn into a human rights issue. ~Tash
ReplyDeleteI support this 100%. Obesity is the #1 reason for most of the health care problems this country is facing. I don't think my insurance should increase because my neighbor keeps going to the doctor for an obesity related illness. I'll vote for this any day. People need to be held accountable.
ReplyDeletePart of me feels that government doesn't need to legislate every damn thing. On the other hand, those who are trying to be healthy carry the cost of supporting those who don't. So yes, I think I'd be for a fat tax of some sort. But, what criteria do you use to judge. Many professional, fit, athletes would be considered overweight if the BMI standard was used. I suppose if they are going to do that, there needs to be a way to have exceptions to the rule.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy your blog. It's not just what you are going through personally but has some weight-related gossip (LOL) but also puts out relevant topics like this. I support this also. It might be a nanny state but really, nothing else is working. We need to do something about this destructive debility called obesity. I don't believe in natural obesity and everyone doesn't have thyroid problems! They're just excuses and expensive excuses. Pay up.
ReplyDeleteWhat I've noticed most is the lack of mentioning those that suffer weight issues not from eating but from medical issues like thyroid disorders, cancer, and so on.
ReplyDeleteThe second issue that I can see is the possibility of discrimination followed by a whopper law suit. Calling it a "fat tax" is an open invitation for a suit.
It would be better to refer to these items as a "sweets tax" or "luxury foods tax" which is also more applicable to the intent.
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