I pay 10% tax on soda

aschoolf

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Saturday September 26, 2009 · 5:29 PM PDT

2009/09/26 · 17:29

I pay 10% tax on soda and junk food. Well, actually I pay 10% tax on all groceries in Birmingham, AL. Whether I'm getting a 12 pack of our wonderful locally produced Buffalo Rock Ginger Ale or a pound of Chilton County peaches, the combined state, county, and city taxes total 10%.

So forgive me if I fail to muster sympathy for opponents of the "soda tax." I'd be thrilled if I had to pay taxes on only soda and junk food. Last time I checked, soda and junk food are discretionary purchases. Milk, bread, cheese, fruits and vegetables, dried legumes, etc. seem to be far more necessary. I can live without Coke and moon pies, but grocery staples are not optional.

aschoolf

Community (This content is not subject to review by Daily Kos staff prior to publication.)

Thursday September 24, 2009 · 7:45 PM PDT

2009/09/24 · 19:45

First time diarist, so please be gentle.

I hope my experiences navigating the healthcare maze as an uninsured, relatively young adult with a mild chronic condition might be helpful to others facing a similar situation.

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I pay 10% tax on soda

My cash for healthcare experiences