Not only are Democrats trying to introduce a government-takeover of the health industry, but now they’re proposing penalties for those who exercise their choice not to purchase health insurance.

A top senator is calling for fines of up to $3,800 on families who fail to get medical insurance after a health care overhaul goes into effect.
The plan from Democratic Sen. Max Baucus of Montana would make health insurance mandatory, just like auto coverage.

Auto insurance is not mandatory, per se. Unless you operate a motor vehicle, you do not have to purchase auto insurance. You can choose not to carry automobile insurance by simply choosing not to operate a motor vehicle. The problem with comparing it to health insurance, is that there is no way to opt out of the “mandatory” health insurance option. There are plenty of people who can afford health insurance, but opt out of purchasing it, for a variety of reasons. Insurance is a legal agreement between two parties whereby one party agrees to pay premiums in exchange for a promise from the other party to cover future potential obligations. The government should never get into the business of forcing citizens into contracts.