So... I finally heard it spoken out-loud on the radio... obesity tax

[CornField]

No, not taxing the food products which generally lead to obesity, but actually taxing individuals based on their BMI (Body Mass Index) score.

Oh yeah, let's give the government genetic information on which to base our income tax! Employers can then refuse to hire individuals who are deemed overweight/obese by government standards.

[King Coal]

1. Oh Oh

I better lose some weight.

[maxsolomon]

2. when fat is outlawed...

only outlaws will be fat.

where did you hear it?

[CornField]

8. Local call-in show on university NPR station

Talk of Iowa -- http://wsui.uiowa.edu/talk_of_iowa.htm

I just caught the last hour of the show. They were discussing obesity and the drains it can cause on community health services, private insurance premiums and more.

One of the callers suggested the obesity tax. It is something I hear quite often in this area -- well, that and a smoker's tax. I'm not sure what type of punishment they feel is appropriate for a fat smoker.

[cheezus]

3. no, not income tax

in this case, sounds more like property tax

[newportdadde]

4. Never happen

Too many middle-aged fat assed RWs out there pouring their girth in and out of their SUVs.

[lilymidnite]

5. Why not just eugenics?

Send everyone with a BMI over 35 to Gitmo.

Jeeze, pleeze ...

[BiggJawn]

6. BMI would be a screwey way to calculate it, anyway...

Is this guy fat?


How about THIS guy?


Bet they both have BMI's over 30...

They didn't asign it Number SB602P, by any chance, did they?

[meow2u3]

11. BMI is an inaccurate measure of obesity

It doesn't take into account large-boned and/or very muscular people, nor does it factor in those suffering from tumors that cause them to gain weight.

A more accurate measure of obesity is percentage of body fat.

[peekaloo]

a stupidity tax would generate more money.

[qwghlmian]

7. I think that does not go far enough.

There is so much more you can do....

BO tax.
Ugliness tax.
Screaming kids fines.
Stupidity tax (oops, forgot, lotteries already exist)
Bad jokes fines.
Being too buff (and making people around you feel bad about their own figures) tax.

[toddaa]

9. Here's one courtesy of Monty Python

We should tax all foreigners living abroad.

[ashmanonar]

13. BWAHAHAHA!

yep, python gets it right.

linky

[ladjf]

16. Don't forget Republican tax.

[Kansas Wyatt]

10. If 'Bossy' goes to church...

Then she is entitled to an exemption credit.

[soleft]

12. Next up: being taxed if you're not blued eyed and fair haired

[SmokingJacket]

14. Well, at least Limbaugh would paying for his ass. nt

[classics]

15. Isnt hate wonderful.

It makes any obsurd thing sound downright possible.

I imagine there are a lot of rednecks who wouldnt mind seeing a black tax. You know a thin black man has far greater risk of heart disease than a fat white man? Tax um!

[ICantBelieve]

17. Doh! I'm going on a diet.

[ICantBelieve]

18. Actually, now that I think about it...

Aren't fat smokers a lot LESS of a burden? They die a lot faster than healthy skinny folk. Maybe cigarettes and fattening food are the answer to the Social Security "crisis"!

[makhno]

19. A tax on unhealthy food would be appropriate

After all, the state does tax tobacco, alcohol and other harmful products.

But taxing people based on their BMI? Fishy at best.

[CornField]

20. Do you not have this already?

Here in Iowa food items deemed "healthy" are not taxed. Other food items are taxed. For instance, we pay a tax on popsicles but not on ice cream. (Yes, I'm being serious!)