http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/200...health_care_overhaul

From the article:

" By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR, Associated Press Writer Ricardo Alonso-zaldivar, Associated Press Writer – Thu Jul 2, 7:03 pm ET

WASHINGTON – Americans who refuse to buy affordable medical coverage could be hit with fines of more than $1,000 under a health care overhaul bill unveiled Thursday by key Senate Democrats looking to fulfill President Barack Obama's top domestic priority.

The Congressional Budget Office estimated the fines will raise around $36 billion over 10 years. Senate aides said the penalties would be modeled on the approach taken by Massachusetts, which now imposes a fine of about $1,000 a year on individuals who refuse to get coverage. Under the federal legislation, families would pay higher penalties than individuals.

In a revamped health care system envisioned by lawmakers, people would be required to carry health insurance just like motorists must get auto coverage now. The government would provide subsidies for the poor and many middle-class families, but those who still refuse to sign up would face penalties.

Called "shared responsibility payments," the fines would be set at least half the cost of basic medical coverage, according to the legislation."

If the government is going to hold a gun to our head and force us to take health insurance, will it be our own guns they use??

What's next? Government monitored electric service, you cannot lower your AC below 78. Big Mac's outlawed or better yet, a fat tax. Jesus what happened to freedom?
Z

"Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand

Read the book or read the paper it's the same story in both places. -Cope

You must have missed the new IRS proposed rules change on employer provided cell phones. Employers will soon be required to charge their employees 25% of the cost of the phone service for personal use of the phones. Even though most cell phone plans are flat rate, and there are no charges for calls made after business hours, so in affect the cost personal use is $0, the new more compassionate IRS wants to make it "easier on companies to comply". IRS rep said "we are not trying to crack down on employees that are not paying taxes for personal use, just making it easier for them comply with the law."

Funny I didn't even know that I was suppose to document all my personal calls for Uncle Sam to tax as an employer provide perk. I was assuming that all those other lines of taxes and fees, and what not added to the phone bill would be enough.

Our new government is operating under the illusion that ALL American citizens have more money than they know what to do with now. They're desperately seeking ways to squeeze anybody that's actually working for a legitimate living to pay for better services for people who don't - and won't.

Instead of making it harder to be in business and work for a living, they're making it easier to be unemployed.

Which side will be larger in the long run????

Tax and spend is counterproductive. Give employers real incentives to provide jobs and insurance - it's a no brainer.

Facism doesn't work...

When I was up in Canada fishing paying the 4 dollar a gallon gas for health care. The Canadian where we stay at was walking with a limp he said they removed the fluid from his knee a month ago and it would require surgery but they could not get him in until september. So he will have had to limp with the pain in his knee for a total of 4 months before ha can get the problem fixed.

Here's the plan:

1. Squeeze everybody who works for a living for every cent they possibly can.

2. Force those who work to put money into a 'Government Savings Account' (this used to be called Social Security - but since they're going to use up all of that money it will be reclassified as 'Social Security Tax' - it's just a fee you're paying now).

3. Redefine the word 'Volunteer' and (in the Military it's referred to as 'The Draft'). The new 'Volunteer' organization will become mandatory for young adults to 'Give Back' to their country (Hitler also had a strong youth volunteer movement).

4. The IRS (as well as State Tax authorities) have already begun their Witch hunt - desperately trying to increase shrinking tax revenues through 'Tax Enforcement' as well as changes to the current tax laws.

5. When the Government realizes they can't pay for the new programs (like health care 'reform') because tax revenues start to decrease exponentially as small business go under and/or cut staff to pay additional taxes (and/or penalties from 'improper expense interpretation', they'll load those who are still employed or in business to pay even more fees and taxes - causing further unemployment and business closings.

6. The government will decide mid to large size businesses can't be allowed to fail, so they too will become government entities - at which point the operating losses aren't an issue - it's the Government after all and they don't have to make money.

7. The government will get the bright idea - "We'll just print more money!" thinking all of their problems will be solved. Now, anyone who has any savings will immediately lose half - since their savings are in dollars and now their's twice as many dollars out their. Also, anyone working will have a pay cut by half (same issue). Also, the cost of everything will double.

8. We'll all have health care unless we're employed. We won't be able to afford it if we're employed because those who have insurance will be subsidizing those who don't. Our premiums will have increased by 230% - since money's worth half and it's now taxable income.

9. Since no one can afford good health care, the pharmeceutical industry will stop doing research and development and focus on cheap and established prescription drugs that can be produced for next to nothing and push for making as many of those available over the counter as possible.

10. Since you won't be able to afford insurance, you'll be handing a check over to the government for a couple of thousand a year (if you have a family) - this will go up to $4,000 after they print more money too.
11. If you're unemployed you'll have insurance and will be able to remain unemployed for very lengthy periods. And, if you get a job for a couple of months you'll be able to start being unemployed all over again.

Sounds great doesn't it?