ACSH staffers are encouraged by some letters published in the New York Times in response to its coverage of the proposed tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. Those who make the case against the tax are succinct, right to the point, and they can tell that this is a bad idea, says ACSH s Dr. Elizabeth Whelan.
The letters are very much on target, adds ACSH s Dr. Gilbert Ross. They make the case that there are better ways to ensure the health of our children, including accurate nutrition education and well-funded physical education programs in schools.
One particularly impressive letter came from Susan Neely, President and Chief Executive of the American Beverage Association, who correctly asserts: Taxing soda is not the solution. It will have no impact on public health. It will only take our eye off the ball and deter us from meaningful solutions. We couldn t have said it better ourselves. ACSH staffers hope that these voices of reason are considered when the tax is debated in Congress.