Current Event Posting Number 1
Topic: Health
Writer: Carina Storrs
Publication Name: CNN/Health.com
Date of Publication: September 24, 2o10
Length: 915 words/3 pages
Alcohol is a major cause of death in the United States and it contributes to many preventable deaths by disease, car crashes, injuries and crimes. A higher alcohol tax would affect all Americans-- college students, alcoholics and even recreational drinkers. How? Making alcohol more expensive could decrease all of the alcohol related deaths and crimes. People all over the US won't want to pay such high prices so they won't buy alcohol. Studies show that after alcohol tax increases in 1983 and 2002, the related deaths and crime rates went down. In conclusion, increasing tax on alcohol can save a state $214 million in health care costs and bring in $249 million in revenues, and lower alcohol consumption by a whole 5%. In my opinion, the theory sounds like it would work, but there are a lot of risks too. Crime rates could increase because more people would have to resort to theft to acquire alcohol. Adding more risk to an already risky substance could only make things get farther out of hand.
Boosting taxes on alcohol would not only decrease crime and alcohol-related diseases but it would also bring in much needed income to the government. I believe a higher alcohol tax would sufficiently deter citizens from consuming large amounts of alcohol but I don't think the average citizen who drinks a bit would resort to theft to get their alcohol.
ReplyDeleteImposing a tax on alcohol is undoubtedly a great idea. Although, the raising the price may not be enough to discourage most. Manny people with alcoholism will not mind paying a little more to get it. It may also discourage, the average citizen who drinks sparingly.
ReplyDelete