The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[Ghoulish Delight]

As much as I'd like it to be otherwise, I tend to agree with the ruling, which is why I was never particularly in favor of the version of national health care that was passed. You're right sleepy, the math simply doesn't work out of not everyone is participating, but I do find it a stretch to justify forced participation, in the form of requiring a private purchase (as opposed to simply providing coverage to everyone in a truly socialized system), hard to justify under the constitution.

A lot of people point to auto insurance as an analog, however that fails as an analogy on a handful of points. Firstly is the fact that the auto insurance requirement is about protecting the interest of others', you are under no obligation to purchase insurance that covers yourself. Secondly, you are not required to purchase insurance unless you voluntarily choose to drive. And third, probably most importantly, that requirement is on the state level, not the federal level. Different rules apply.

So while, as an overall policy matter, I'd prefer to see national health care move forward, until I see a convincing constitutional argument for this form of it, I can't fault the court if it decides against it.