penalty for not buying?

Am I reading this right?

"In the health care case, Congress had referred to a penalty, not a tax, on people who don't obtain insurance."


If I don't BUY something, then I'll be penalized (taxed) for NOT BUYING something.

So, when I shop for product X, I am taxed at the time of purchase. If there is a recurrent fee on said product, the tax is included with each recurrence of fee (transaction). However, if I wish to not purchase product X, then I am penalized (taxed) for NOT purchasing product X. There is a lack of transaction. Someone, somewhere still takes money out of consumers' pockets, regardless of purchase (transaction). Ridiculousness.

Medico must be scared as more people realize they are not Gods. Thus, self-proclaimed Gods will take from all for their own good. Couldn't get enough willing believers to stay willing, so made it mandatory to contribute, ehh?