How Many Lives Could a Soda Tax Save?

Summary: 13.8 billion gallons. That is the amount in gallons of how much soda, fruit punch, sweet tea, sports drinks, and other sweetened drinks is consumed by Americans in one year. Scientists have analyzed the effect of a nationwide tax on sugary beverages. They estimated putting a one cent per ounce tax on sweetened drinks would prevent 100,000 cases of heart disease, 8,000 strokes, 240,000 cases of diabetes and 26,000 deaths every year.

Critique: I think that bans on "unhealthy" foods are wrong, because it's a person's responsibility to take care of themselves and no one is forcing them to eat unhealthy foods. However, I'm not sure how I feel about a soda tax. Would it really stop people from getting their Coke? I kind of doubt it. Are the states that are considering this just looking for another way to make money? Possibly.

Impact: Several states are considering a soda tax, and this may persuade other states to do the same.

Reference: http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2012/01/11/how_many_lives_could_a_soda_tax_save.html