Readers React: Will soda taxes wean the poor off sugary drinks?

To the editor: Christopher D. Cook would have made a more cogent argument if he questioned why low-income people buy and drink sugary drinks. If you have little money, it is in your best interest to eat what will give you long-term energy and truly quench your thirst, and sugary drinks do neither. (“Big Soda’s false populism,” Op-Ed, Oct. 27)

It is difficult to inspire change in personal behavior; it is much easier pass a bill to apply taxes on people or corporations. Our culture still has not figured out how to get low-income people to stop wasting their money on cigarettes, drugs and alcohol.

Consuming fast food and sugary drinks is another vice for those looking to soothe their hearts.

Christine Gregory, Beverly Hills

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To the editor: Substitute “National Rifle” for “American Beverage” in “American Beverage Assn.” The argument the two groups make is essentially the same; in both cases the American citizen loses.

How long will we be victimized by big money? Voters in Berkeley and San Francisco, which are each weighing soda tax measures, should not be bullied. Their stand may start the crucially needed movement to take on these Goliaths.

Kiran Saluja, Walnut

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