I’m starting to think we should change the name of the New York State troopers to “Nanny 911.”

Recent headlines say New York’s dear Governor Paterson would now like to tax soda pop — as long as it isn’t diet.  This so-called “Obesity tax” is, in essence, a scheme to put more money in the State coffers.  And, as Paterson learned back in June of ‘08, with the cigarette tax, this state doesn’t mind the tax so much, so long as it’s unpopular groups of people getting screwed.  Last time, it was smokers.  Today (and, I predict, in the future as well), it’s the curvy.

Of course, Paterson and others will say this is a way to promote good health throughout the state — which is why diet sodas, water, milk, etc. aren’t being taxed.  I’d argue that the only reason the others aren’t being taxed is because then the elites would get pissed off, instead of just us uneducated pop-drinkers.   So, either Paterson is buffering the State funds by targeting particular groups of individuals, or else he’s just another New York Nanny-Stater out to show his dumb constituents the various errors of their ways. 

 Just imagine how intrusive this guy would be had we actually voted for him.  And, friends, let’s try to remember that, when it comes time to vote him out.

In the meantime, before he taxes Chocolate, peppermint or those little candy sprinkles, I think Mr. Paterson (he’s not MY Governor) would benefit from the advice of another, more famous, better-looking and less annoying nanny.