Paying For Your Sins

Most of assume that we will pay for our earthly transgressions in the next life. Some believe in Karma and others may seek absolution here on Earth. As imperfect as we all are it amazes me that politicians seek to make a dime off of our sins. Are the county coffers that empty? States looking to boost revenue are poised to leap into the sin tax fray.

I understand some of the legislation meant to protect us from ourselves. Seat belts in cars and helmets for motorcycles both save many lives. How much better off will we be if we eliminate sugar consumption, alcohol, or simply being overweight? Of course, our health would improve, but that should be our own business. Is the government going to follow us around the grocery store?

Yes, the states need more money. What is new? Yes, we do things to our bodies that we should not. But this is a land of freedom. We have a right to privacy. I am sure most smokers would agree with this point. They are treated like lepers and their (legal) drug of choice is taxed at a rate that would make our forefathers blush. The question becomes whether states should profit from our self-abuse?

I can smoke. I can have a beer. I can drink a Coke and have a Twinkie, both at the same time, if I so desire. What do these acts have to do with the state? I have heard the argument that as we debase ourselves, health costs rise and taxpayers foot the bill. This is a specious argument. Costs will rise regardless. We pay insurance premiums for a reason.

In the end sin taxes should not exist. Money should not be made on the backs of the weak. People are demonized just because they dare to ingest a substance that society frowns upon. Get over it people. None of us are perfect. We all have some annoying habits that we would rather not be publicized. Drink, smoke and eat to your heart's content. Just as free speech covers that which offends, freedom covers that which sickens.