How is it consistent with a free society for the government to make people live a certain approved lifestyle?
I am at the point that I don’t care who likes my lifestyle or not. I really resent being taxed for it too. I wonder what tax is coming next...
Taxation doesn't force, it merely encourages.
As long as people can become wards of the state by becoming indigent, disabled, ophaned, etc., as long as disease can be spread to innocents or epidemics started by unhealthy people, then Government has a significant legitimate interest in promoting good health practices.
You might as well ask how is it consistent with a free state for the government to insist your chinese food preparers wash their hands and don't add melamine to your food. Or for government to deny pushers access to highly addictive drugs. Or to limit the speed you can travel down public roads.
It's the same thing, it is just where you choose to draw the line. It's always going to be a balancing act.