The Concord Monitor runs two letters today responding to recent column on “You didn’t build that” and Soda Taxes.

John S. Hancock of Concord argues for the importance of labor in building businesses.

Grant Bosse’s crediting the success of business(“Obama got it really wrong,” Sunday Monitor Viewpoints, July 22) without acknowledging the contributions of workers – particularly organized labor – in building America and creating the middle class is a complete distortion of history.

Bosse promotes another deception, denying the reality that the United Auto Workers made massive concessions before General Motors and Chrysler received government loans.

Meanwhile incumbent Republican Rep. Paul Simard opposes the proposal from Democratic challenger Catherine Mulholland to impose a 2% tax on sugary soda to pay for anti-obesity programs.

While I agree that sugary soft drinks consumed in excess are bad for you, attempting to tax them into oblivion is not the answer. There are those who believe government should be involved in every facet of our lives, from the beverages we drink to the vehicles that we drive. Government is not the answer. Taxing beverages is not the answer. We need to inform our citizens of the dangers of particular actions and let them decide for themselves what action to take.