Read the actual ruling. That is not what was put forth by the judge at all. The judge argues that it is not a tax to generate revenue for the general welfare of the country for various reasons and case law as applied to the arguments from both parties.
Given that judgement, he found that it was a penalty for not engaging in a private contract with a private entity as mandated by congress. He then argues that such an action is not covered by the commerce clause or the necessary and proper clause.
This has nothing to do with laws being voluntary. At worst, this decision relegates it to the powers of states rather than the fedgov.
I have to assume that, like myself, you haven't read the ruling. I am pretty damn sure that is not what it says though.
At worst, this decision relegates it to the powers of states rather than the fedgov.
That has been the argument all along.
I would have gotten you a beer anyway, but I think the Supreme Court is going to green light the reform, and this judge will be ignored.
I could be wrong about this prediction (or any other prediction of what might happen in the future) but either way 
So far we have two Clinton appointed judges ruling it is OK and one Bush appointed judge ruling it isn't.
The Supremes should weigh in on this ... who knows when that will happen though.
This ridiculous law would never have been passed if people that make the laws would read and follow the Constitution. The Supremes don't bother themselves with following the Constitution either. I give it a 50/50 chance of being overturned.
Even though the Supreme Court is packed with some extreme conservatives, for the most part they are the kind of States Power conservatives that tend to go along with the government having the power to do stuff.
I don't see them being troubled by over-arching power of the State over its citizens. They have gone along with all kinds of really over the top favoritism of police over citizens, so I think they will go along with the healthcare reform. They also realize that the reform is going to save the federal government money, so they may vote for that, too.
We have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it.
To Me .. that is the quote of the year.
MacThulhu
I suspect that this guy will get overruled. The decision basically means the government can't regulate or compel, meaning that laws are only to be implemented on an honors-basis.