Americans Skeptical Of Effectiveness Of Junk Food "Sin Tax"

The majority of Americans don't like the idea of putting a "sin tax" on their chips and sodas. Only a third of those responding to a new Rasmussen Reports poll say they think putting an additional tax on junk food is a good idea, while 56-percent are opposed to it. Many politicians who favor taxing soft drinks, potato chips, and other junk food items say it's a way to fight obesity and other diet-related health issues. But 86-percent of those polled note the government isn't responsible for what people eat and drink, and only 17-percent believe politicians are motivated by the health of their constituents. Nearly three-quarters think politicians are simply looking for another revenue source. In addition to the skepticism, 60-percent don't think a "sin tax" on soft drinks and junk food would be effective in the fight against obesity in the U.S.