A True Leader

I think this is a great idea.

For years, the idea of taxing soda to beat back obesity has been tossed around in medical circles. But now, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom is proposing a tax on beverages high in fructose corn syrup.

Newsom says obesity accounts for tens of millions of dollars in city health care costs. He cites a recent San Francisco Health Department survey that found nearly a quarter of the city's 5th, 7th and 9th graders were overweight and that high sugar drinks make up a tenth of a kid's daily calorie count.

Newsom reportedly wants all big box retailers and chain drug stores to pay into his new "Shape up San Francisco" program, which started this past summer with a walking regimen.

This comes as the state of California is considering slapping caffeine-infused sodas, and energy drinks with warning labels, saying consumption can contribute to diabetes.

San Francisco is blessed to have one the sharpest men in the United States as its leader. Without his assistance, the aimless flocks living in the city would have no idea what to smoke, what to eat, what to drink or how to get to work. So I say, the more legislation the better. Folks, you elected this brilliant man for a reason, now let him work his magic.

I secretly believe that Mayor Newsom has on his agenda to drive down the price of housing in San Francisco. True genius if you think about it. He makes it so expensive to live in the city limits, that thousands rush to the burbs and housing prices are suddenly in line with the rest of the nation.

The only downside I see is the unintended affects on the bums. This new sugar tax will disproportionately affect them since it is a regressive tax. Those in the higher income brackets will pay the same tax as the bums who rely on the city and thoughtful citizens for their living. But I bet Mayor Newsom has something up his sleeve there too. We'll have to wait and see.