Mark - June 28, 2012

I am disappointed in the ruling, of course, but I think Justice Roberts may have done conservatives a favor in a back door sort of way by calling it for what it is, a huge tax increase.

Pamela Sundeen - June 29, 2012

Unbelievable!!! Can’t believe John Roberts chose to support the liberals. We must all work together through indiviual donations that soar above and beyond Obama’s supporters to make certain Romney is elected in November.

e. r. edmondson - June 29, 2012

I am forever going to think of Benedict Arnold when I hear the name of Justice John Roberts. History always repeats itself.

LOU - June 29, 2012

I was troubled and confused. The court should have shot down Obamacare as it was presented and defined, based on the mandate, under the Commerce Clause- and affirmed as unconstitutionalby the Court. Never anticipated the court would and could redefine it as a Tax and rule it constitutional. I hope the Republicans figure out a strong and penetrating message to respond to the infux of emotional stories and ads that Obama campaign will be showing on TV on how great Obamacare is. With 50% of the people on some sort of government assistance. I fear that people will vote for the “free and easy” goverment programs not understanding the true impact of “free”. People really need to get informed and help each other understand really what’s happening here. Thanks Heritage

Brenton Battles - June 29, 2012

Can you think of any tax that applies to a person’s mere existence? All taxes I’m aware of are payable as a result of a voluntary action on the part of the person or entity taxed. In other words, in all cases an entity’s INACTION can never give rise to a tax, and hence any entity can avoid the tax by choosing not to qualify for the tax through its activity. The closest thing to a tax on inactivity is a wealth tax, but even at that a person can choose to move or liquidate his assets or otherwise limit them to avoid tax.

The definition of a tax includes a “tallage,” by which is meant an arbitrary levy placed by feudal superiors upon their dependents. These were abolished in the 14th century. A tax, by all remaining definitions, is a consequence of an action. As such, the tax exacted as a result of NOT participating in an economic (or other) transaction can only be deemed a penalty resulting from refusal to obey a lawful order to purchase or otherwise benefit from a good or service. If you want to call an uninsured individual’s getting “free” health care at the expense of the rest of us “theft,” or at minimum the taking of a good or service without compensation, then so be it. Deal with the culprit directly and in proportion to the value of the goods or services actually obtained. The fact that society has become used to insulating itself from such consequences, shifting the burden to others (taxpayers, premium payers), is no excuse for not calling it what it is, namely theft or at the very least irresponsibility. For those who truly are unable to pay all their medical expenses, direct a portion of general revenue to pay for it as we do for every other form of welfare. But as with welfare, means-test every recipient at the time of every subsidized health transaction.

David Halik - June 29, 2012

It’s very informative and I’m forwarding this Email to let others know.

Bob Norris - June 29, 2012

I am 70 years old and feel sickened and disgusted. I think it may be possible that Roberts was threatened or bullied in flipping his possible decision with the minority. Obama wants to be a dictator. He will be voted out of office unless he can cheat the system.

Texas Conservative - June 29, 2012

I would hope that the people understand what Chief Justice Roberts did in his statement. By stating that Obamacare is a tax on all the people, he was clarifying just what it is. A massive increase in taxes. Not just for the rich, but for ALL people, no matter what their status in life is. Rich, middle income, low income and even those in poverty. Now this may not be a tax directly levied on a household, but indirectly through cost for household needs and higher costs for what it is supposed to take care of, medical care. Now, Congress can really go after it by repealing all or parts of Obamacare.

Gary Fletchall - June 29, 2012

The Supreme Court was the last line of defense against a runaway government, bent on transforming this nation into a socialist society. Now we know we no longer have a Supreme Court willing to uphold the Constitution of the United States, as written by our founders. With one stroke of the pen, John Roberts has betrayed the American people, and handed the federal government carte blanche power to tax and penalize the American people, at will. This is outrageous.

Leon Lundquist - June 29, 2012

I recommend “The Plaintiff’s Perspective On Obamacare” among the excellent Heritage videos available here. The bottom line is Health Care will be non existant for poor people when Doctors refuse to practice Medicine in the U.S. The rich will always have options getting care overseas and paying top dollar at private hospitals. We think Obama shot himself in the foot, but I no longer pretend that Obama and minions intended that Health Care be affordable nor available. I actually think these Progressive Socialists want to Socialize Medicine, and eventually use Medicine in their Final Solution. Remember the Left Radicals have intended to reduce the ‘excess’ population to a billion people, thinking human life is not ‘sustainable’ so this is Soft Mass Murder not healthcare after all. Faith in God and Spirit means we can solve our problems without population controls, but for those who do not believe we are ‘unable to do this one for ourselves.’

John Sloan - June 30, 2012

I feel like Chief Justice Roberts has disgraced the court. Where does he get right to rewrite the Gov. argument from the bench?

Tim Foster - June 30, 2012

I believe that this ruling is unconstitutional. I also believe that the Constitution is being shredded by the supreme court and by the liberal left politicians. I believe we have moved to a “post constitutional” America, as described so ably by Mark Levin. I believe if we do not vote conservatives into all 3 branches of government, America as I have known it until now is doomed and that my children and grand children will live out their years as slaves to the federal government. I believe that Heritage must focus ALL of its resources on the upcoming November elections. I believe that these elections will determine the survival of the founding principles and of our form of government, our way of life, and of liberty itself in America.

diane - June 30, 2012

Enough!! Vote Obama out, every Dem who voted or votes,for this, Pelosi. Reid and anyone else who stands in the way of returning America to us! We can and must do this. Ilive in New York where my core usually,does not seem to make a difference, but this is do oe die!

Robert C. Vinson - July 1, 2012

I still think it is a mistake to give Lifetime Appointments to anyone in a political office.As I have always believed in term limits I think you would get better performance if term limits to maybe 8-_12 years max.