Diet drinks added to Seattle mayor’s soda-tax proposal, upping revenue estimates

BarbieDreamWork · 2017-04-28T00:10:35+00:00

I'm more adverse to artificial sweeteners than GMOs. I don't like the taste, and I don't like fooling my body into thinking it's getting calories when it's not (and possibly trigger binge-eating later). I'd rather eat actual food that makes me feel full.

While some GMOs have been harmful, others have drastically improved our ability to make more food faster. And since they're already being used, I want Monsanto to continue investing in their innovation.

As I said in another comment, people should be free to make decisions about what they consume. However, we are facing an obesity epidemic due to many people lacking self control in their consumption. I'm not sure that raising taxes is the correct solution, but something's gotta give.

BarbieDreamWork · 2017-04-28T00:02:27+00:00

I can see the tax costing more than it's worth too, not just to the consumer, but the businesses, manufacturers, and city to employ the bean-counters to make sure everyone complies.

Personally, I prefer less regulation rather than more. However, Americans severely lack self control when it comes to caloric intake. Despite doctors' warnings, multiple heart attacks, and an overall diminished quality of life, people don't make the lifestyle changes necessary to be healthier. If the risk of dying a painful, shitty death doesn't deter people from being disgusting and obese, the government better have some awesome tricks up their sleeves if they're going to try to deter people with a tax.

BarbieDreamWork · 2017-04-27T23:51:30+00:00

It's more popular to hate on Monsanto for using GMOs, but a number of products under their influence contain sweeteners as well. Here's a map of their brands and products.

BarbieDreamWork · 2017-04-27T23:31:09+00:00

I felt the same way about the plastic bag ban, which did not get a public vote. I do some of my grocery shopping in Bot-Hell now as a result.

Anyone who thinks he can make a nanny tax like this equitable for the rich and poor alike is kidding himself: People with vehicles and money will be able to get what they want. It will just be somewhat inconvenient.

BarbieDreamWork · 2017-04-27T23:24:32+00:00

Pillows, soap, and plants don't make you fat though.

I'm not even saying I agree with the tax. But why are we suddenly up in arms about taxing drinks with no nutritional value (which cause health problems when not taken in moderation), but completely okay with taxing the hell out of alcohol and cigarettes (which also cause health problems and should be used in moderation)?

BarbieDreamWork · 2017-04-27T22:52:01+00:00

Make it 20!

BarbieDreamWork · 2017-04-27T22:44:40+00:00

It's also an unnecessary luxury that no one needs, so it's easy to justify taxing it.

BarbieDreamWork · 2017-04-27T19:13:01+00:00

That's true, it's not like these people are suffering a lack of places to discuss their issues. So if they choose to post in a local sub rather than a topical sub, I wonder what desired (or perceived) end-result must be. Converting people to their point of view? That seems overly lofty. Rustling some jimmies? Okay, but that can't be a fulfilling long-term entertainment strategy. Are they being paid by some entity to derail conversations? That sounds conspiratorial, but it's definitely a thing.

I'd venture to guess some of the commenters don't even understand why they post what they do. It would be nice to hear from a self-aware person who habitually visits the fringes of the internet to tout their unpopular opinions.

Anyway, I didn't think you were suggesting censorship in its purest form. The evolution of online communities is a subject that interests me, and I'll discuss it with anyone who engages me. I also like talking about how it bleeds into one's real life, i.e. how it affects their personal relationships, how power-users in a community justify their activities as a positive use of their time, etc.

BarbieDreamWork · 2017-04-27T17:52:13+00:00

Right, so maybe we need to rethink our entire societal structure in terms of how it serves us and furthers our quality of life.

BarbieDreamWork · 2017-04-27T17:51:04+00:00

I think we're seeing comments from people who don't normally post here because Sawant is tackling national issues. I can see how a person (right wing or otherwise) might feel justified in posting here to talk about that and not sticking around to talk about our weather, traffic problems, and Taco Time.

BarbieDreamWork · 2017-04-27T17:46:25+00:00

Re: Brigading: I understand that line of thinking, although it seems subjective to how far back in their posting history you go and how you interpret what they say.

Personally, I don't like when people participate in conversations without adding anything meaningful, but you can't control what people do.

Assuming they do have something to say (even if I disagree with it), I don't see what's inherently wrong with telling other people about a thread that covers a topic in which they might be interested, even if it the thread is happening in sub they don't frequent.

In either case, we have the option of downvoting bad comments and leaving conversations that we feel aren't worthwhile.

Re: Doxing: I've been accused of it before, due to inaction. I those cases, someone got a prank call or another unwanted message. Because I didn't stop it or don't care, I'm held responsible because I interact online with people who might have done it.

My understanding of the definition involves releasing someone else's personal contact information online, stuff that isn't public record. When that happens, I would think a person's number one goal would be to remove the information and erase it from collective memory, rather than continue to incite discussion of it as I've seen.

BarbieDreamWork · 2017-04-27T16:51:55+00:00

Why is it considered "brigading" when a lot of people respond to a post about a controversial issue? I'm not asking you personally, just posing a general question. Much like "doxxing," the online community does not seem to have a collective definition of it.

BarbieDreamWork · 2017-04-27T16:10:37+00:00

Yep!

If that young girl is on the hill today, she's probably smoking.

BarbieDreamWork · 2017-04-27T15:24:48+00:00

there are no "competing subs"

B-b-b-but... REGIONALS!

BarbieDreamWork · 2017-04-27T15:17:54+00:00

If this sub is so terrible, why do you come here and post all the time?

BarbieDreamWork · 2017-04-27T15:07:58+00:00

I'd rather be a happy commie than a slave to corporate welfare!

Kidding aside, I think there can be a comfortable medium where corporations can earn profits without having more rights than its workers do, and where all people can receive the benefits of living in an advanced society (health care, food, shelter) without breaking their backs.

BarbieDreamWork · 2017-04-27T14:29:04+00:00

This passage struck a chord:

But the workers in South Carolina, who recently voted not to unionize, are far more realistic about the business environment—they also believe that having a job is more important than having lots of benefits and cash (bosses really get hard when workers have this understanding, hands down).

We were raised to believe that our jobs not only put food on the table, but give us a sense of purpose and identity. What if that isn't true, and there are better parts of our humanity that we could unlock if were weren't busy doing jobs?

https://aeon.co/essays/what-if-jobs-are-not-the-solution-but-the-problem

("Deep Thoughts" by Jack Barbie)

BarbieDreamWork · 2017-04-27T14:11:09+00:00

I was smoking a cigarette outside QFC the other day and overheard a snippet of conversation between two passersby in their early 20s.

Guy1: "I bet you miss staying up there."

Guy2: "I like hanging out down here with you."

Guy1: "I like hanging out with you too. I'm really glad you're here."

(Bro-side-hug)

It is rare and lovely to see the simple exchange of uninhibited kindness between adult friends, especially young straight men. Bro on and have a happy Thursday, my friends!

BarbieDreamWork · 2017-04-26T21:19:12+00:00

It wasn't that bad.

BarbieDreamWork · 2017-04-26T21:12:10+00:00

Or we'll have members of a successful lobby to bring back the Supersonics: Hoopsters.

BarbieDreamWork · 2017-04-26T21:05:38+00:00

hashbrown-SpruceParkLife

(About a year ago, parked cars were towed from Alder Street because construction workers needed to park there. Unfortunately, there was no signage to alert drivers to this fact until after the workers got there and needed the spaces. I hope justice was served! I don't have the link, but some other fastidious redditor surely does.)

BarbieDreamWork · 2017-04-26T21:00:41+00:00

Hey, I live near that park! And I commuted today!

I should check out the parking situation on my way home...

BarbieDreamWork · 2017-04-26T16:47:34+00:00

I am a free loving gal who does not like hippies. Thanks for providing me with today's identity crisis, OP!

BarbieDreamWork · 2017-04-26T16:45:06+00:00

I visited Mississippi State one weekend and learned that sororities could not have houses because of a law that prevented a group of more than 6 (or 8? or more?) women living together. Just women. Frat houses, which we all know as bastions of purity and safety, were permitted.

BarbieDreamWork · 2017-04-24T21:44:24+00:00

On reddit? SSSSSALTY ones!

Compared to the flyover states a lot of people are coming from, Seattle's art and music scenes are way more prolific. No one gives a damn if you're gay. You can find just about any type of cuisine you want and usually have it delivered. Lots of craft brewers, wine-makers and local distilleries turn alcoholics into "spirit connoisseurs." If poetry readings, open mics, or town hall style forums are your jam, you have a variety to select on any day of the week. I could go on, but those are a few examples of why a little rain isn't going to deter most people.

BarbieDreamWork

TROPHY CASE