[joshuamcginnis]

So long as what you do does not affect me directly, you should be allowed the liberty to do as you may, even if it puts your life (and only yours) at risk.

[bronson]

Am I sharing the cost of your health care?

[handedness]

Do you smoke? Drink?

Better yet, do you sit for much of the day?

[bronson]

Is your smoking and drinking so excessive that it's putting your life (and only yours) at risk?

If so, then yes, it might make sense for me to intervene.

(just to be clear, we're talking about the OP's statement here, not sugary drinks)

[norea-armozel]

Would it matter if the cost is shared in common as a tax? This seems like the best option considering people assume the alternative must be that they are the only ones with the burden when all would in fact share it. His taxes cover your burdens and your taxes cover his. Are you both even then? Or are you going to nickel/dime every human you meet that consumes sweets on occasion?

[joshuamcginnis]

I would never tell someone to give up their individual liberty so that we can save a buck in an system that has far greater issues contributing towards cost inflation. Our freedoms and our liberties are fundamental to our being a free society; they should be treasured and not bartered.