AUSThIN FAQ

Why a fat tax?  Isn't that illegal and immoral?

A fat tax clearly is the only way to beat obesity and the poor health issues that comes with that.  While some would say this ordinance creates a government nanny state, we feel it does the exact opposite.  By raising taxes on fast food restaurants, and making fat people buy permits and make them susceptible to fines, this is the only way that people will be able to change their habits and make Austin a rich, vital and healthy community in the future.  We are merely putting into affect some of the 'recommendations' the FDA put forth in a March, 2004 report on obesity.

Who will decide who is fat?

The city will appoint and hire over 40 FATEs (Fat Analysis and Tracking Experts) in a new branch of city government that will weigh, measure and monitor people placed on 'obesity probation'.  The trained employees will use the United States' Center for Disease Control (CDC)'s analysis of Body Mass Index (BMI) as the backbone of this new ordinance.  The BMI is a ratio of weight to height, and can be determined at the CDC's BMI website.  Initially, the plan AUSThIN has for the City Council will include only people in the obese section (30.0 and above), but the full ordinance will affect those in the Overweight Section as well (25.0 -29.9).

What happened to self determination?

It's become obvious that people can't be trusted to take care of their own responsibilities, so now the responsibility of being responsible has finally fallen on those who can be responsible.

Will I have to stay 15 feet from the fast food restaurant?  Does that include the drive through?

Yes, the drive through is included in the fifteen foot fast food exclusion zone.  It is only a matter of time a small majority of people in Austin - made up of Westlake soccer moms, South Austin vegetarians, and a smattering of university students and other representatives of the rich mosaic that makes up Austin will vote en masse and make the decision to eat right for you.  Only one-third of all restaurants in Austin will be affected by this ordinance, so the affects on business will be small.  Only one third of Austin's population (at this time, the problem will only grow) will be affected, so please, think of the children. 
 

AUSThIN:

To contact AUSThIN
email the organization at austhin@gmail.com