05/14/08 Sin Tax

Seems that so called "junk food" is soon to be the new prohibition child. The period from 1920 to 1933 is commonly known as "Prohibition" during which a law forbidding the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages was in force in the United States. We all know how well that went over and what it created in its wake. The most recent campaign of certain states wanting to impose a "sin tax" on burgers, fries, donuts, ice cream, bacon and numerous other foods that they deem toxic seems more like a story line from a futuristic bad B movie script. Sadly though it is all too real and gaining momentum. There have been numerous cases of employee lounges being posted with anti-donut signs and punishment dolled out for anyone who may bring donuts to work. Lawsuits have been filed against parents of overweight children. And if you don't think this in any way sounds like the 1920's Prohibition consider the raids enforced on hot dog vendors; threatening one merchant with fines and jail time. This isn't laughable anymore; in fact it is starting to be down right scary.