the effects of taxes on local businesses may not be immediately apparent in all cases. the health effects of some types of sodas may be different than the health effects of others. it is possible to weigh known drawbacks against known benefits, but not possible to weigh unknown drawbacks in the same way. soda consumption has been strongly linked to rates of obesity and shorter lifespans.
Mayor of Smalltown: Instituting high taxes on sodas, which are currently untaxed in Smalltown, has been shown in the past year to encourage people to reduce their intake of soda and live healthier lifestyles. Because the effects of such taxes on local businesses have not yet been determined, though, I believe we should wait before implementing such a tax. Activist: Your position is inconsistent with previous actions you have taken. You have implemented many laws that have decreased local businesses' revenues in order to help consumers, so concern for local businesses cannot be the true reason you refuse to pass this law now.
The activist's argument is flawed because it fails to consider that