Obama on Obamacare

Politico: "“What I think is appropriate is that in the same way that everybody has to get auto insurance and if you don't, you're subject to some penalty, that in this situation, if you have the ability to buy insurance, it's affordable and you choose not to do so, forcing you and me and everybody else to subsidize you, you know, there's a thousand dollar hidden tax that families all across America are -- are burdened by because of the fact that people don't have health insurance, you know, there's nothing wrong with a penalty.”" - Barack Obama

Auto Insurance Premise:

A. Driving involves inherent risk to other people

B. This risk is best minimized by requiring auto insurance.

This is true, and A is correctly followed by B. Driving is dangerous, large and heavy metal objects moving about quickly with drivers who may or may not be competent.

Not only does insurance help cover property damage, it also provides medical liability, and provides a free market response to reckless driving by increasing rates. By requiring a driver and vehicle to possess insurance, society can minimize the risk and maximize the benefits of utilizing public roads.

Obamacare Insurance Premise:

A. Medical care is the obligation of all society

B. Medical insurance should be required to benefit society.

C. If a person lacks medical insurance, they harm society.

These premises fail on several levels. Medical care is the responsibility of the individual, and that is the sole place where this responsibility falls. How they choose to do this is their prerogative, but it remains with them nevertheless.

Corollary, medical insurance is not always the best choice, for many it does not make financial sense to insure themselves if they are in good health.

An individual with no health insurance does no harm to be personally, and to require them to do so would only further damage the fabric of society.

Thank you, Mr. President.