Tax the Tanners

If the Senate gets its way (which I hope they do!), we might see fewer Oompa Loompas walking around in the near future.

That's right. Fewer bright orange, Banana Boat-glistening bodies walking around sporting their carcinogenic tans.

The Senate has proposed a 10% tax on indoor tanning beds, hoping that the price increase will dissuade folks from baking in the fake sun which is linked to the deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma. Unfortunately, opponents of the bill have angrily cried out that the proposal discriminates against women, since most young tanners and salon owners tend to be women. Shouldn't these women feel like someone is finally advocating on their behalf? Trying to limit their risk of developing cancer? That feels more like a gift than a gag to me.

Nevertheless, there is hope that this tax will at least cause first-time tanners to run in the opposite direction. With as many carcinogens as we are exposed to these days, why would you want to voluntarily expose yourself to even more risks?

I'd love to know how you feel about this proposal. Should the government take active measures to approve "sin taxes?" Taxes on sugary drinks, high-calorie junk foods, cigarettes, alcohol, etc. as a means to lower the use or intake? The government has tried to impose high taxes on that most dangerous of addictions- cigarettes- yet people are still lining up to destroy not only their own health but the health of those around them. So, could a tax on tanning work? And, more important, is it the government's responsibility to regulate its use?

Send your comments my way!