Tax or Penalty?

It seems that the Republicans have resorted to their usual hair-splitting when it comes to comments on the Affordable Healthcare Act.  Rather than trying to bring about a bi-partisan approach to improve this legislation, the Republicans in the House and Senate are focusing on whether the fees for individuals who fail to participate in the program (after 2014) receive a penalty or a tax.  Their argument does not affect the amount that would be levied nor does it affect the wording in the legislation that prevents IRS or other government agency from taking any action against an individual who refuses to pay the penalty, tax, fee, fine, or what ever it may be called.  While Boehner was issuing do-not spike memos to his fellow Republicans, the Republicans have missed an opportunity to take advantage of the passage of this legislation.  It is becoming more obvious that the public, while opposing the legislation as a whole in opinion polls, actually favor the individual benefits as they learn how they will actual benefit from this legislation.  No one will disagree that the law is far from perfect, but rather than shouting for repeal which will never happen, the Republicans should swallow their pride and take the lead to make this legislation better. Lies and mis-statements, long the hallmark of Republican discussions of "Obamacare" are amplified but will resolve nothing.  Does it really matter whether the fees for non-participation is deemed a tax, a fee, a fine,  or deemed a penalty?  Politics is the art of compromise...in Massachusetts it is a penalty and in all other states it is an uncollectable, unenforceable tax.  Having settled that issue, now make it Medicare for All and make it better!