Votes for power or service!

SAPIENS WRITES:

If we warn (on food and drink labels) about the dangers of sugar and refined carbohydrate abuse and impose damage tax (10%) and VAT (15%), “we” may lose votes and power (Ministry of votes or Public Service) – Loss Risk!

In 1990, at the dawn of liberation (P.H.C) primary health care was the name of the game under Dr. Nicky Iyambo and Dr. Solly Amadhila. The philosophy of health changed to promotion, prevention, screening (red flags), and then treatment, rehabilitation, and palliation.

In 2024, we are promised more renal dialysis units and ICU’s – an indication of the “failure” of primary health care. A third of renal failure cases are caused by diabetes or hypertension (preventable).

Sugar is not taxed in Namibia. Sugar is not grown in Namibia. It is imported in thousands of tons from the R.S.A (ex “colonial” power). It is the number one comfort, appetite stimulant, and addiction worldwide!

It came from the Far East, with the Dutch East India Company. It was an addictive barter reward tool in colonial times until the present. It was the driving force behind Afro-American slavery to Brazil, the West Indies, and the cotton and sugar belt of North America.

Sugar (soda colas) and chips (salt), fast fake junk food, cause hungry thirsty obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.

The metabolic syndrome: This attacks target organs through thickened and narrowed arteries, oxygen shedding, brain (stroke or dementia), blindness, heart attacks or failure, liver and kidney failure, impotence, limb gangrene, snoring, reflux, cancer, and dental decay. It increases morbidity, decreases productivity, and reduces lifespan, leading to early funerals. It causes billions of dollars in collateral damage from the above diseases. It supports a disease, not a health industry!

We tax/warn the bad and ugly tobacco and alcohol (fermented sugar), but exempt sugar in exchange for voters!?

Politicians must promise a better future in health on evidence-based nutritional science and be role models. We don’t need more dialysis units for diabetes renal failure if we drastically reduce junk sugar foods and drinks.

If you can’t see your toes or tie your shoelaces – if your belly circumference is more than half your height – change your deathstyle or take out an expensive life insurance and funeral policy.

Politics is a five-year cycle of promises with erratic delivery and rewards (see A.N.C).

Health is holistic, productive well-being in partnership with health care professionals, but in the end, you are responsible for your own health.

Your health/lifestyle are your single most important asset. Apply compound good habits and preventative maintenance.

The income from sugar tax or VAT can be cross-subsidized as an exemption from VAT for good inputs such as eggs, milk, brown bread, unsifted maize meal enriched with vitamins and minerals, carrots (vitamin A), apples (vitamin C), pilchards (Fishrot) and vaginal pads, for female education, condoms, as well as Meatma products (soup bones, tripe (matangara) and organ “meat” and lard.

Think vision 2030, tax sugar with warning. Put the country ahead of the party and power!

The truth/trust service will set you free for the common good.

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