Read My Lips. . .

So effectively what has been done here is a tax levied as punishment for inaction, for NOT doing something, for NOT doing something the State wants you to do. Not for not buying healthcare, but for not buying, for not taking an action. Period.

It's not a Tax that was written with a (very big) loophole -- everyone has to pay this tax but if you do this then you don't have to pay. But written "IF you don't do this THEN you have to pay this tax."

I didn't think that's the way things worked in America.

Think about where this could lead. IF you don't lose weight THEN you will be taxed. IF you don't buy a car from Government Motors THEN you will be taxed. IF you don't convert your home to "green energy" THEN you will be taxed.

Punishment for inaction.