That price of that can of Pepsi will soon be 12 cents higher

Now this is news we can use. A tax on sugary beverages is just what the doctor ordered, and the soft drink companies are pretty worried right now. Even if a tax on Coke and Pepsi doesn't curb consumption, it will raise billions to fund health initiatives. However, studies show that consumption most definitely goes down when price goes up.

When I read the reaction of the beverage industry, I want to vomit. These people just won't admit that their products are contributing to the obesity epidemic. Their defense is that we shouldn't tax "groceries". Well friends, I don't think anyone is proposing that we tax apples or broccoli, so stop with the transparent tactics. The FDA got Big Tobacco to come clean about their products, now we need to take on Big Food.

I don't disagree that a large part of the responsibility for battling obesity falls on the individual, but food and beverage marketing is not making it any easier and it is certainly not creating an environment that is conducive to weight loss. The "we're just giving consumers what they want" defense is complete bull shit. Sorry for the language, but I get highly annoyed when some profit off the problems of others. If this legislation doesn't pass, then we have no one but shady politicians to blame.