Felix Salmon remarks in his blog about the non-diet soda tax under consideration in New York state.

The tax is supposed to help reduce obesity, and close the $13.3b state deficit.

I’m amazed by this…almost to the point of silence. But not quite.

Possibly one of the stupidest things I’ve ever heard. Tax non-diet sodas? How about taxing muffins? What about venti mocha latte’s at Starbucks? Tax the “danger dog” vendors extra too, while you’re at it. Then tax Nabisco, Johnson & Johnson, Proctor & Gamble, and all of the candy companies (Nestle, etc.). Then tax McDonalds restaurants more.

I mean, if New York is serious, they could make a lot of money here!

If not, it’s a stupid waste of time.

There’s a strong link between bad nutrition, lack of exercise, and poor sleeping habits and obesity. There’s also a strong link between poverty and obesity.

So, New York should take all of that tax money, build more jungle gyms around the city, provide free vegetables at the jungle gyms, and give everyone who shows up with last year’s tax form showing that they’re below the poverty line $100 for joining the workout and eating some carrots.

There’s your solution to obesity!

As for the state deficit…someday the people in our country are going to have to realize that in order to spend money, you have to make money. These absurd debts and deficits that we carry as a culture are symptomatic of a much bigger problem. You can’t spend what you don’t make. Obesity is another symptom.

You figure out the problem.