I nearly saw a lib’s head explode once over my statement of
“simply being a good idea doesn’t mean that the government legally has the power to do it”
They simply cannot wrap their minds around the concept that the government doesn't have an unlimited mandate to wield unlimited power in innumerable ways - so long as it is in service of “a good idea” or accomplishes a “societal good”.
They really have no concept of a government of LIMITED and ENUMERATED powers.
Witness Kagan (IIRC) talking about ‘it sounds like a boatload of money rather than an imposition’ or whatever - in answer to a question as to the Constitutionality of the mandate. Sort of a “Hey it is a financial windfall - take the money - who cares if the government has the power to regulate in that fashion - taking the money would be a good thing”.
I wouldn't go there. Govt run anything is never a good idea. You are conceding that Obamacare is a good idea? Are you nuts?