Why would the government charge a penalty for not having health insurance?

Is this a cheap shot for them to get more of our money in their pockets? Or will 100% of this extra money go towards the healthcare reform. Also the government is going to have to spend lots of tax dollars to create a new system to track down bill and punish theese people. Why put americans in a position to be put in jail because they couldnt afford to purchase health inusrance? I know Obama dosent want to raise taxes. It would be cheaper for it to be a healthcare tax and the insurance be provided through employers so there isnt any freeloaders. At least with not having insurance on a car I have to get caught first, second I just dont drive a car. What do I do kill myself? Live in a van? Yeah right ill more than likely move to Canada. Screw this stupid country is they decide to do that. It takes away from what America stands for. Am I on the wrong track here?