Roman Around

Earlier this week, President Barack Obama spoke with Jake Tapper of ABC News.

Tapper: Do you think it’s appropriate to have a threat of jail time for those who refuse to buy insurance?

Obama: You know, what I think is appropriate is that in the same way everybody has to get auto insurance – and if you don’t, you’re subject to some penalty – if you have the ability to buy insurance, and you choose not to do so, forcing you and me and everyone else to subsidize you, there’s nothing wrong with a penalty.

To begin with, the federal government does not mandate that drivers carry automobile insurance.

Second, automobile insurance is required only if one chooses to drive. It is up to the individual whether or not they do so. Driving is not mandated by the government. Those, for example, who live in major metropolitan areas with no need for a car are not required, by law, to purchase automobile insurance.

It’s a fairly simple concept.

Third, the very idea that President Obama – or any leftist – would suddenly have any objection to the practice of one group subsidizing another is about as comical as listening to Rosie O’Donnell discuss foreign policy, or Michael Moore offer advice on grooming.

Where exactly does this indignation come from? And how can anyone take it seriously?

Sane-minded, clear-thinking Americans are now to believe that Barack Obama, all of a sudden, opposes subsidies?

What?!

The entire damn health care bill is a multi-trillion dollar subsidy plan!

Finally, answer the bloody question, Mr. President.

Say it this way: “Yes, I think the threat of jail time is appropriate.”

Tapper: As the Senate puts its final bill together, they should know, does the President think jail time is an appropriate–

Obama: I’m not sure that’s the biggest question that they’re asking right now. I think I put out the principal that penalties are appropriate for people who try to free ride the system and force others to pay for their health insurance.

And if it isn’t the “biggest” question they’re asking, so what? Isn’t it a fair inquiry, even if it’s the second biggest? Or the fifth biggest? Isn’t it even just a little bit appropriate for lawmakers to know whether or not American citizens are subject to being arrested and thrown in the can for not purchasing health insurance?

To hear America’s most leftist president ever – a man who believes redistribution of wealth is a moral obligation – talk about punishing people who “free ride” the system is downright creepy. Maybe that gap in the time-space continuum I keep talking about has finally appeared. Perhaps the earth has a slipped off its spindle. Maybe I’m stuck in a medically induced coma.

In truth, it is President Obama who is forcing Americans – even those yet to be born – to pay for the health insurance of others.

And do these “appropriate penalties” apply to illegal aliens? Public housing dwellers? Welfare recipients?

Fair questions, no?

So, to summarize …  In Bammy’s world, law abiding Americans should be incarcerated because of his socialist, government-solves-all-problems vision for the United States. Hard working, tow-the-line, free citizens of the United States should be thrown in jail because Obamacrats believe the greatest health care delivery system in the world should be completely turned on its head to more resemeble ineffective, heavily-rationed European models.

And his approval numbers are crumbling, why?