J. Justin Wilson's mocking attack on soda taxes ("A soda tax is tough to swallow," June 24) identifies him as "a research analyst at the Center for Consumer Freedom." Readers might want to know that this organization is a corporate lobby. It was created by the tobacco industry, later taken up by beer distributors to argue against crackdowns on drunken driving, and now is funded by the likes of Coca-Cola. So if you agree with the center's pro-tobacco, pro-alcohol views, then you will be eager to hear Wilson's expert knowledge of sugary drinks, nutrition and health. And kudos to him for getting the Times Union to publish his corporate advertising for free.
Brian Ladd
Guilderland