Taxing choice

Taxing behavior deemed "politically incorrect" has long been a convenient way for politicians to fund programs benefiting special interest groups, to the public's disadvantage. Government policy toward various foods, drugs, tobacco and alcohol, for example, has been locked into a regulatory cycle of tax and taboo. And the products subjected to excise and other "selective" taxation have varied from soft drinks, fishing gear, and margarine to airline tickets, telephone calls, and gasoline.