Ignorant statement. What kind of tax is it? You're being taxed for not buying something, so it can't be a sales tax. It is independent of income, so it is not an income tax. It is not levied on a commodity being purchased, so it is not an excise tax. You can avoid it by buying an insurance policy, so it is not a head tax.
What kind of "tax" is this? A previously unknown form? The answer of course is that it is not a tax at all. It is a financial penalty for unapproved but legal behavior. Calling it a tax does not make it one. Roberts has sold out, for what mess of pottage god only knows
I was thinking about this very thing. To me, it most resembles a civil fine.
Actually our tax system already functions this way. If I do not buy a house on credit or have children or pay college tuition, my taxes are higher.
That is one of the most important statements that I've read all morning.
The points you raise need to be brought up over and over, until everyone understands that just because Roberts called it a tax, does NOT make it so. It is a fine, pure and simple, just as you stated.
So, in addition to failing to uphold the Constitution in this matter, and punting it back to Congress, Roberts has also given the bastards linguistic cover to justify forcing Americans to bend to this destruction of our liberties.
It is NOT a "tax", folks!
“Calling it a tax does not make it one.”
Indeed, it was an incredibly specious piece of logic on Robert’s part. He states using the “commerce cause” would be unconstitutional, but then - lets that pass and calls it a “tax” instead. What kind of convoluted thinking goes that way?
I think he has stopped being Chief Justice of the SCOTUS and instead is acting as the Solicitor General for the Obama Administration.
However, I won’t vote for Romney because he is as bad as Obama, and would appoint justices worse than Roberts.
It is a head tax, which is waived on those who have health insurance.
You are precisely correct! Very nice summation.
I don’t know- and almost don’t WANT to know...WTH Roberts was really trying to accomplish here but the implications are truly awful to ponder.