hypercrites

The only ones in our country that will be penalized is the freeloaders who can afford health care but choose to use hospital emergency as their healthcare provider...

I don't believe that's true.  Everyone, regardless of income or wealth must purchase insurance as I understand the Obamacare.  Even fantastically wealthy and healthy folks will be required to purchase a government approved policy when it may make more sense for them to buy coverage for catastrophic events and pay for routine visits out-of-pocket.  Obamacare it seems to me is designed to benefit the lower class at the expense of the upper and middle classes.

It would be interesting if you knew what Political Party the freeloaders  belong too.

In general, freeloaders belong to, and support, and vote for the most progressive political parties.

I personally do not want to pay for someone who can afford healthcare but choose to let others pay their bills.

I'm with you on this point.

If this were a tax everyone would have to pay it.

This might be news to you but not everyone pays their fair share of taxes.  For instance, 47% of wage earners pay no income tax. Their weight is carried by the remaining 53%, and especially by the top 10%.  How fair is that?

Penalty = Something, especially a sum of money, required as a forfeit for an offense.

Yep, that's the definition of a penalty.  However, is my not buying insurance harming you in any way?  You're not harmed until you are forced to pay for my healthcare.  If I don't force you to care for me, you have suffered no harm and if you have suffered no harm why should you be penalizing me?

Tax= A compulsory contribution to state revenue, levied by the government on workers' income and business profits

Taxing authority goes WAY beyond this limited definition.

Oh and welcome kentay!  Glad to have another voice here.