Is there precedent for the federal government fining you for not buying a product

[moobu2]

from a private company? ((this is regarding the fines for not buying private heath insurance))

[onenote]

1. not sure about federal govt.

but several states have laws that will fine you if don't buy and install a smoke detector for your house.

Of course, one could also make the point that rather than look at this as penalty, it can/should be looked at as a tax imposed on everyone to cover health care costs, with a credit back to those who purchase private health care. Sort of like the fact that the government imposes a higher level of taxes on those individuals who don't purchase hybrid cars than on those who do.

[hlthe2b]

2. States require a bond be purchased if you try to settle an estate

where there is no will in place; States require auto insurance to drive; States and local governments may require purchase of certain business or liability insurance to qualify for contracts, grants, or to work in certain fields. Some locales require purchase of a certain type and level of insurance if you keep certain breeds of dogs in the home.... For starters...

[moobu2]

3. Thanks, I was just curious about that line of legal attack.

somebody posted this and it pretty much covers all the legal points.

http://balkin.blogspot.com/2010/03/if-you-cant-stop-bill-just-have-another.html

[Unvanguard]

4. The government adjusts tax rates in response to how people use their money all the time.

That's what a tax deduction is: you can think of it as a deduction, or you can think of it as a tax on all the people who don't spend their money on tax-deductible goods and services.

The mandate fits perfectly into this model. It is constitutional.

[Warren Stupidity]

5. There is no fine. There is a tax that you can avoid by having health insurance.

[moobu2]

6. I see now. Thanks n/t