[Superman]

In Economics, we learn (if we're paying attention) that the true costs of production for certain goods are not always included in the price. Government subsidizes tobacco production heavily. Your tax dollars are used to clean up the environmental messes that manufacturing companies have left behind after producing certain products. I think we can all agree that it would be best, and fairest, and would make the most sense in a supply-and-demand economy if the complete, true costs of production were included in the selling price. That is starting to happen. Good.

Soft drinks. I occasionally drink soft drinks, but not much. I've got my problems, but obesity is not one of them. I am told that obesity and soft drink consumption is strongly correlated. Particularly among children. Obesity is a medical problem and causes other medical problems. Medical costs in America are skyrocketing. Besides soft drinks and the (assumed) resultant obesity, there are a bunch of other contributors. Smoking. It causes health problems for which you and I pick up the tab. Right now, our government is going after the tobacco industry on this. That industry is paying out. Somewhat.

Now, I know that some folks' worlds are so simple that in their minds, everyone could just pay for their own costs, and there would be no need to consider this issue. The imagine that their medical insurance premiums can be insulated from these costs, and that their taxes might not include community costs.

How 'bout the rest of us, who live in the real world, discuss the inclusion of these costs in the selling prices of goods which incur societal expenses like medical costs.