Pricing Free Stuff

AT&T Inc. said it would take a $1 billion charge against earnings tied to the federal health-care overhaul, joining a number of other companies in reporting an impact from the bill signed into law this week. On Friday, 3M Co. joined AT&T in saying it would take a first-quarter charge, in 3M's case of $85 million to $90 million. Deere & Co., Caterpillar Inc. and AK Steel Holding Corp. also said they were taking such charges.

--- Cost of phone and post-it notes to rise, as will the cost of living (AK Steel in automotive, appliance, construction, Deere agriculture/food,etc. etc. more to come) - the "tax" is passed on to consumers. You know, to pay for government healthcare and other "free" stuff.