Should the U.S. government tax junk food and soda?

In an effort to make Americans eat healthier, the U.S. government is considering a tax on junk food and soda. With obesity rates on the rise in America, supporters of the tax suggest that it will force some in the United States to make healthier food choices due to the increased cost of fast food, junk food, soda, and other unhealthy food items. Critics of the tax say that it is one more example of too much government control of their lives. The question I have is whether such a tax would actually make people eat healthier? We have seen the government place a similar tax on cigarettes. While the tax on cigarettes has led some smokers to give up the habit altogether, others continue to smoke just as much, if not more despite the higher cost. Will we see the same result with a tax on junk food? I personally think that we will. While a higher tax on junk food will discourage some from purchasing those items, others will continue to buy junk food and soda no matter what the cost. If the government wants to get serious about obesity in the United States then they should find a way to make healthier food choices more affordable for all families in America. Many families simply can't afford to eat healthy. It seems to me that we have it backwards in the United States. Higher costs on healthy foods discourage families from eating healthy, while more affordable prices on foods that are not as healthy encourage families to eat poorly. Will a tax on junk food and soda cure America's obesity problem? Of course the answer is no. Will it discourage Americans from engaging in an unhealthy lifestyle? I guess we'll just have to wait and see.