Stephanopoulos to Obama: If it Walks Like a Tax, and Quacks Like a Tax. . .

By Douglas V. Gibbs

President Obama and ABC News' George Stephanopoulos had an unexpected battle on Sunday (is ABC then going to join Fox News on the NoBama list of rejected networks?). Stephanopoulos dared to challenge The One by asking whether or not the president's health care plan includes a tax increase.

Of course, Obama claimed it didn't have a tax increase (Obama has gotten really good at lying. . . have you noticed?)

Stephanopoulos asked when referring to the mandatory coverage clause, "Under this mandate, the government is forcing people to spend money, fining you if you don't. How is that not a tax?"

Obama responded, "No, but -- but, George, you -- you can't just make up that language and decide that that's called a tax increase."

Stephanopoulos pulled out the dictionary and read the definition to Uncle Barry. "I don't think I'm making it up. Merriam-Webster's dictionary [says] 'Tax, a charge, usually of money, imposed by authority on persons or property for public purposes.'"

Obama, even faced with facts (such stubborn things, they are - you know. . . facts), he continued to deny that the health care bill had a tax increase, accusing Stephanopoulos of "stretching" a little.

"No. That -- that's not true, George. The -- for us to say that you've got to take a responsibility to get health insurance is absolutely not a tax increase," Obama said.

Of course, the health plan the Democrats are pushing goes way beyond just tax increases. Who is Obama and his Leftist horde to tell anybody they are required to have health insurance, or that he will "let" us keep our current coverage despite the existence of a public option?

It is my moral responsibility to ensure my family has health care coverage. It is my right to decide how to do it, or if to do it.

A Right is defined as the freedom to act morally without asking permission.

We don't need Obama's permission, nor should the Left force us to have health insurance - especially if it is a socialistic public option.

And the tax increase Stephanopoulos exposed proves Obama is a liar.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary

Obama, Stephanopoulos Spar Over Definition of 'Tax' - Fox News, Kimberly Schwandt