In the article Joe mentions, Bob Levy and Michael Cannon maul the notion that the Constitution gives Congress the power to mandate the purchase of health insurance and fine those who disobey. It’s not just that this particular abuse of power is objectionable — consider the precedent. If Congress can compel citizens to purchase health insurance, it then can also compel them to purchase anything else. Think of the lobbying that will take place as other industries tell their favorite politicians, “Our business is in trouble, so please pass a law to make people buy our product.” Don’t want it? Can’t afford it? Too bad! Congress is empowered to regulate interstate commerce and that includes the authority to dictate how you spend your money.
Also, once the precedent is set, the penalties can also escalate, at least until they reach the level of being “cruel and unusual.”
The prospective damage to our freedom is immense.
