A new national poll shows Americans still aren’t buying into the idea of beverage taxes.

Some 59 percent of Americans oppose taxes on soda and only 32 percent favor the idea, according to a recently released poll by Rasmussen Reports.

It has been clear for some time now that people don’t want government telling them what to eat or drink by taxing common grocery items. As we’ve noted in Sip & Savor, they can decide what’s best for their families.  Hard-working families are holding their own in this tough economy, but they can’t afford higher grocery prices.  New taxes on certain beverages would further squeeze families already struggling to make ends meet and these discriminatory taxes would hurt the most those who can least afford it.

We agree that the nation’s obesity challenge is an important one to overcome, but new taxes do not make people healthier.  Making smart, educated decisions about diet and exercise do that.  Obesity is a serious, complex problem that requires comprehensive solutions.