By the Obama administration's reasoning, it would be constitutionally permissible to make Americans purchase nearly any product (broccoli, gym membership) that improved their health and thereby contributed to lower health-care costs.

Summary

This quote is expressing a criticism of the Obama administration's reasoning regarding the Affordable Care Act and the individual mandate. It suggests that if the government can require people to purchase health insurance because it improves their health and reduces healthcare costs, then it would also be constitutionally acceptable for the government to mandate the purchase of other products like broccoli or gym memberships for the same reasons. The quote questions the extent of government power and the potential implications on individual freedom and choice.

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