Sponsored link
Friday, March 29, 2024

Sponsored link

UncategorizedSoda industry says evictions are comparable to the price...

Soda industry says evictions are comparable to the price of a Dr. Pepper

By Tim Redmond

March 4, 2014 — Political campaigns are full of hyperbole. But a mailer from the American Beverage Association that arrived at my house yesterday has to be some sort of new record.

It starts off warning of what we all know – the cost of living is going up, rents are soaring, evictions are driving people from their homes – and then it tells us what we REALLY need to worry about: The cost of a can of soda.

“While Mayor Lee is trying to address affordability, two supervisors, Scott Wiener and Eric Mar, are pushing a new tax on certain beverages, like sports drinks, juice drinks, sodas, and teas. They say it’s to make our city healthier, but we all know that taxes don’t reduce obesity rates.”

Now: How many things are wrong with that statement?

bevind2

The first is that the aim of this law is sugary drinks, not “teas.” You can still buy a cup of tea at your loccal café without paying a tax. On the other hand, a can of “ice tea” that’s has about 20 teaspoons of sugar … yeah, that gets taxed.

Actually, the first is that anyone would seriously consider a comparison between the cost of housing (a necessity of life) and sugar-laden drinks is nuts. (more after the jump)

48 Hills welcomes comments in the form of letters to the editor, which you can submit here. We also invite you to join the conversation on our FacebookTwitter, and Instagram

Marke B.
Marke B.
Marke Bieschke is the publisher and arts and culture editor of 48 Hills. He co-owns the Stud bar in SoMa. Reach him at marke (at) 48hills.org, follow @supermarke on Twitter.

Sponsored link

Featured

Bilal Mahmood puffed up his resume—and the Chron doesn’t seem to care

Neuroscientists say he's not a 'neuroscientist' (he's not an 'economist,' either)—but the dailies still let his claims stand without challenge.

102-year-old heroine Betty Reid Soskin’s journey premieres on Bay Area stage

Writings and songs by the nation's oldest park ranger and longtime activist form base of 'Sign My Name To Freedom.'

With Castro Theatre out, massive Frameline LGBTQ+ film fest gets creative

New executive director Allegra Madsen takes on fresh challenges with an agile attitude—and innovative locations.

More by this author

Looking for a new art crush? That’s more than fine… it’s Superfine

The independent art fair at Fort Mason hits a sweet spot between accessibility and expression, with plenty of local flair.

Arts Forecast: Remembering Jess Curtis

The groundbreaking dance-maker passed suddenly this week. Plus: St. Patrick's Day events, CCA MFA expo, Scourge of Worlds, more.

Famed fingerstyle guitarist Brian Gore steps up to the mic

Founder of International Guitar Night finds his voice on heartfelt new album 'Seek the Love You're Yearning.'
Sponsored link

You might also likeRELATED