Law always equals Taxes, Fines and Penalties

So, back in '06, the People's Republik of Massachusetts thinks in a good idea to treat the citizenry to a just and "attainable" goal of insuring the entire population of the state by mandating compulsory health insurance.

And the article just fawns over bureaubotic nonsense claims;

Gov. Deval Patrick said the fact that 95 percent of filers were insured shows the 2006 law is making progress.

"We continue to put one foot in front of the other,"

And from the Dept. of the Obvious;

"Researchers released the first major survey of the health care law.

The uninsurance rate for Massachusetts adults dropped by more than half and residents were paying less in out-of-pocket health expenses, according to the report in the journal Health Affairs, which also found that low-income adults were more likely to have regular checkups and dental visits since the law took effect." ('specially since it's free and all, MY EMPHASIS)

However, I'm far more concerned about thoughts behind certain words, like, "taxpayers must show they are insured or face penalties," as that little bit strikes me as more than a trifle totalitarian.

Repeat after me, boys and girls, "The GOVERNMENT doesn't tell ME what to do, I TELL IT WHAT TO DO!!!"

WHY is it that EVERYONE I meet seem to NOT know this?