Want a Burger in New Jersey? Pay Up!

Politicians are always looking for the easy source of money.  New Jersey legislators hoping to pay for health care want to tax fast food.  Reports WCBS TV:

The sputtering economy has caused an increase in prices of many staples including gasoline, rice, ice cream, even beer. Now some lawmakers in New Jersey are considering taking food taxes a step further and install a proverbial “sin” tax on fast food.

Yes, the idea of marking up your favorite fast food burger or pack of fries is actually being tossed around, and it’s not settling well with many residents.

“They’re taxing everything. Now you’re gonna tax fast food? That’s crazy,” said Newark resident Miriam Robertson.

This proposal shows how government naturally begets government.  Provide health care, so every unhealthy private action suddenly becomes a matter of public concern.  Money must be raised, creating an opportunity punish the irresponsible.  Taxation naturally becomes social engineering.