The argument that mandates are like the government taxing us and then...

[Cleobulus]

buying things from private entities is rather silly.

Basically the argument goes like this:

(Insert Government/public program) buys products/services from (insert private entity here) on our behalf to provide a service we need. And hence mandates are no different.

Let's lay this out shall we?

The Pentagon buys guns from Browning on our behalf to protect America's borders.

The Police buy cars from Ford on our behalf to enforce our laws.

The Public Schools buy books from Prentice on our behalf to help educate our children.

The Transportation department hires private contractors on our behalf to fix and maintain our public roads.

Now, let's see how mandates fair under this:

The Federal Government requires citizens to purchase insurance on their OWN so the insurance company may pay for their health care.

Doesn't fit, does bit, but guess what does?

The Government pays for services provided by doctors, clinics, nurses, etc. on our behalf to provide us with medical care.

Hmm, I believe that sounds like a single payer system to me.

[JuniperLea]

1. "Cheaper By The Dozen"

That's the bottom line... the more the merrier... and cheaper.

Yes, that's exactly what it is... single payer... and so is the current GOP health care system where you just walk into an emergency room. The difference being, it's more expensive for everyone if you just go to an emergency room... and preventative care is far less expensive than care for the ill.

[Cleobulus]

4. What the fuck are you talking about?

NO seriously, I have no fucking clue what you are talking about.

[phleshdef]

2. The government is forcing money out of your pocket and into the pocket of a private entity.

And thus the argument stands. You don't have to like it but you can't dispute it either. In other cases the government is the middle man making the choice as to who gets the money for the services, in the case of the healthcare mandate, you choose.

[Cleobulus]

3. If you don't understand the difference between the government paying doctors for services rendered.

Versus being forced to pay for an insurance premium, and then out of pocket expenses to have those services rendered, I cannot help you.