[tapatio]

It means you are not being forced to buy anything. Only that you have an option not to, but must pay a tax if you don’t.

So in other words.. if I don't want to purchase something I have to pay a tax in order not to purchase that something?

What the heck kind of ruling is that?

[wordsofearnest]

In other words we can’t make you do anything, but we can damn sure make you wish you had.

[Old Sarge]

if I don't want to purchase something I have to pay a tax in order not to purchase that something?

What the heck kind of ruling is that?

It's from Sharia Law, and it's called the jizyah - all non-Muslims must pay it for the privilege of living in Muslim lands.

In the case of ObamaCare, basically if you're not a Leftist or a protected minority, you either buy the mandated insurance or pay the tax.