>So you're not penalized if you lose a tax credit, but you are penalized if you are fined.?

I didn't say that Romney's plan was completely free market - it certainly isn't. But the answer to your question is "yes".


Then it's dictatorial to "force" people to contribute to fire departments, schools and roads that they've never used. Others might consider such thoughts to be selfish and antisocial: It's Social Compact that makes communities work, not individual scrabblings in jealous pursuit of me, me, me.

I've said many times that there are certain public works that are in everyone's self-interests...fire departments, roads, bridges, cops, and other public works. (I do believe in tax credits and vouchers regarding education, an area where our current president and attorney general are on the absolute wrong side). But punishing young healthy people is nothing but income redistribution.

And by the way, the most recent CNN poll (CNN hardly being a bastion of right-wing thinking) shows just how unpopular the entire system has become. For the first time, the GOP has a polled advantage in next year's elections. Yes, it is a year away, it isn't a big poll, and many things can happen (such as the GOP once again playing their hand unwisely)....but for the GOP to win in ANY poll right now is rather interesting, as it demonstrates what Americans think of this new law - it is, once again, a president giving a middle-finger to the middle and lower-middle income class, with a mantra of, "If I like your plan, you can keep it".