From KCRW in Santa Monica and PRI, Public Radio International, this is To the Point.

Big soda, obesity and diabetes.

Hello again, I'm Armin Alney, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International,

a daily look at the issues Americans care about most.

In San Francisco and Berkeley, California, big soda has been lumped with big tobacco as a target of

health conscious reformers. Next month, voters may tax sugary soft drinks by a few cents a can.

To defeat them, Coke, Pepsi, and Dr. Pepper are spending more than $15 a vote. It's all about the

epidemics of child obesity and diabetes. Similar measures in 30 other states have failed,

but Big Soda sees a real threat from California. Will two liberal cities spark a national

trend? We'll hear the pros and cons. Today's talking point, the suicide epidemic among American soldiers.

First, here's the news.

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Program Fund. Hello again, Warren, I'll need back with To the Poet.

Coke, Pepsi, and Dr. Pepper have promised to reduce the caloric content of soft drinks,

but that's not enough for campaigners against obesity and diabetes.

In San Francisco and Berkeley, California, voters might decide to tax sugary sodas in next month's elections.

Will those campaigns succeed where others have failed and start a national movement?

Today's talking point, soldiers who die in combat are honored, while soldiers who kill themselves are ignored.

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