Watching President Barack Obama's press conference on health care reform the other night, I was not surprised that little was said about the mandates being proposed in Congress–requiring employers to offer coverage or pay a penalty, and requiring that everyone buy coverage. That was no doubt because the word "mandates" scares many and infuriates some, and could end up sinking the whole initiative–although I don't understand what everyone is so worked up about.

For one thing, despite all the blathering about how "The Government" should not be mandating us to do (or pay for) anything, the fact is we already are mandated to pay lots of fees for our own (and for society's) good.

For example, I am appalled to hear anyone from the insurance industry complain about government mandates because I don't recall hearing a peep of protest about state mandates that drivers carry auto insurance and that employers cover their people with workers' comp. When insurers stand up and argue against those long-time "mandates," I'll take any criticism of a health insurance mandate–for individuals and employers–more seriously.

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