So how did U.S. taxpayers end up holding the tab for the failed turnaround of Opel AG, a German carmaker wholly owned by GM?

FORBES: Why Are U.S. Taxpayers Still Footing The Bill To Fix A German Automaker?

"If you think by closing loopholes and deductions for the well-to-do somehow you will not end up picking up the tab, then Governor Romney's plan may work for you, " he said.

BBC: US election: Obama and Romney debate economy in Denver

Using the provision of Obamacare that provides for a free physical exam for Medicare beneficiaries each year (wellness visits), Medicare has approved a new rule to go into effect on January 1, 2011, that will permit Medicare to pay the tab for doctors advising their patients on end-of life treatment options.

FORBES: Death Panel Scam Set To Reignite

Who should pay the tab for those who want futile care at the end of life?

FORBES: What Is The Independent Medicare Advisory Board?

And with the release of that tab still fresh in consumers' minds, it's likely forward-facing OEMs targeting the high-end space will follow suit, issuing copycat 10-inch takes with equal or better eye-watering displays.

ENGADGET: 's CES 2013 Preview: Tablets

Samsung said recently that global sales for the seven-inch Galaxy Tab exceeded one million units earlier this month, faster than its original expectation of hitting that benchmark by the end of the year.

WSJ: Sprint, T-Mobile to Sell 4G Tablets Next Year