"I absolutely reject that notion" that it's a tax increase." -- Barack Obama
If I get in my car to drive to the liquor store, and I stop to top up the tank, the government charges me a percentage for the privilege of buying my gasoline. This is a tax, by law.
If I walk into the liquor store, and grab a pack of Luckies, the government charges me a percentage for the privilege of sucking down tar and nicotine. This is a tax, by law.
If I grab a jug of sangria, the government charges me a percentage for the privilege of guzzling cheap wine cut with artificial fruit juice. This is a tax, by law.
If I want to buy insurance against the cancer and cirrhosis I'm setting myself up for, the government charges me a percentage for the privilege of buying my health care anywhere I choose. This is a tax, by law. Specifically, page 29 of the Baucus Bill.
Reading is fundamental, sir.