Read My Lips....

Many of us remember George Bush's infamous speech where he promised the American public his administration would not raise taxes. Unfortunately, there were new taxes and thus the people decided on a new president after only one term in office.

During President Obama's campaign for the White House he also pledged not to increase any taxes on the middle class, reserving the tax increases for the rich (whatever he meant by that!). However, in an interview on ABC's "This Week" with George Stephanopoulos, the President stumbled when questioned about the new health care reform. As part the Senate bill (which President Obama has repeatedly supported) individuals would be required to purchase health insurance or face a penalty, as high as $3800 per year. Mr. Stephanopoulos asked the President how this proposal wasn't a tax, when you either are forced to buy something or penalized for now buying the insurance. Instead, the President stated:

...for us to say that you've got to take responsibility to get health insurance is absolutely not a tax increase. What it's saying is, is we're not going to have other people carrying your burdens for you anymore. In other words, like parents talking to their children, this levy -- don't call it a tax -- is for your own good.

As Mr. Stephanopoulos pointed out for the president, the definition of tax is "a charge, usually of money, imposed by authority on persons or property for public purposes." Maybe it's me, but it sure sounds like a tax increase. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck. The President confirmed his rejection of this idea of reform as taxation, stating "I absolutely reject that notion."

Well, Mr. President, you maybe not believe health-care reform is not a tax because you see it as a responsibility issue, however the American public might not agree with you. If middle class people are forced to buy insurance or else, it is undoubtedly a tax, no matter how you slice it. The people don't like being lied to, especially about their taxes. It didn't work out to well for the first President Bush, and when the American people catch on it might not work for you either!