There are all sorts of taxes on certain items the government deems "bad". Cigarettes, alcohol, sugary drinks. Taxes imposed to stifle use or consumption. In other words taxes to control behavior.
This tax is also punitive as in it wants to PUNISH people for not doing what the government deems as good.
Now, if we are to look at taxes as punitive, as the government has. Lets look at 2 taxes. Income and property taxes.
If the government deems taxes are punitive actions, then government views income and property ownership as actions that require punitive actions against them.
” it wants to PUNISH people for not doing what the government deems as good.”
Following Roberts’ logic, or lack thereof, that Americans should be taxed for NOT doing something, that opens up so many cans of worms.
Because of Obamacare, many doctors will quit and move on to other careers. I guess they could be taxed for NOT practicing medicine when they’re qualified to do so. Uncle Sugar can and will screw all of us.