FACT CHECK: Coverage requirement enforced with tax

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Memo to President Barack Obama: It's a tax. Obama insisted this weekend on national television that requiring people to carry health insurance - and fining them if they don't - isn't the same thing as a tax increase. But the language of Democratic bills to revamp the nation's health care system doesn't quibble. Both the House bill and the Senate Finance Committee proposal clearly state that the fines would be a tax....

By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR

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They can play their word game all day long. The point is the goal is socialized healthcare and we're all going to pay for it one way or another....mostly through increased taxes.

My dad is a Democrat and he's all for Obamacare. We had a really interesting discussion about politics yesterday. Then I kicked his ass in poker.

 

Then I wish I were there to back up your claims, Ali. Nothing I like more than dispelling rumors about how things will improve under the government run plan. I can argue that all day long.

The real issue with me is not so much those who support Obamacare, but those who don't have an opinion on the matter. These types are the DNC's bread and butter... I call them the "ignorant fringe" and they are out there in legions.

 

He's a bit of a bleeding heart when it comes to politics and is concerned for the people who don't have and can't afford health insurance....understandable! I told him there are other programs to investigate and so many other options to consider (tort reform, for one) before we make this giant move to a socialized system.

It wasn't a heated debate and we eventually just agreed to disagree.

I think you would have brought some other interesting angles to the discussion, RO. However, you and dad would have eventually turned the tables to discussing football and you would both have dogged me for being a Vikings fan....lol. My dad is only going to the Pack/Vikes game to "watch Green Bay kick Favre's ass".

I still would have beat you both at poker, though.