Dear Pitt News,

There are so many flaws with the soda tax editorial — it’s hard to know… Dear Pitt News,

There are so many flaws with the soda tax editorial — it’s hard to know where to begin. The editors feel that our ailing system can use all the money it can get — but can’t the same be said of the working families struggling to put food on the table?

A tax on soda is a regressive tax and would hurt those least in a position to spend the extra money. Contrary to the study cited by the editors, it would not reduce the amount of consumption. Those who consume sodas would more likely just reallocate their spending.

Finally, the editors argue that this tax would be better reserved for a state to decide rather than the federal government . The thing is, that has already happened, and it isn’t working. There is a tax in place in West Virginia and in Arkansas — and guess what? Both Arkansas and West Virginia rank in the top 10 among obesity rates in the nation.

Faithfully submitted,

Zachary Bombatch

President, Pitt College Republicans