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Vic Smith

On Fri, 07 Aug 2009 22:23:14 -0400, wrote:

The point with the FDR programs is that they expanded the scope of the
federal government far beyond anything authorized in the constitution.
They were not "promoting the general welfare" they were mandating it
in a federal program.

Personally, I think keeping old folks from living in gutters "promotes
the general welfare." Social programs are legislation, not a change
to the Constitution.
Besides, income taxes and the space program weren't in the
Constitution either. It was, after all, written late in the 1700's.
Horse and buggy, water from an oaken bucket, etc.
Constitution works just fine most the time, if the pols are kept in
check. Worst thing to fear is Imperial Presidency executive powers.
There oughta be a law.

If you want another unconstitutional power grab look at the Nixon
55MPH speed limit. That is treading on the 9th and 10th amendment. The
other things were all of the federal drug laws that came about in his
administration. Prior to that, drug laws imposed taxes ... that you
couldn't really pay.
It is similar to the way they regulate machine guns.. That is a tax
too, not a ban. They tell you if they will let you buy that $200
stamp.

All that might have bothered Jim Bridger, Kit Carson and Daniel Boone.
Nowadays they would hire lobbyists to shape the law to their liking.
The Framers did a bang-up job on the Constitution, and didn't discuss
55 mph limits, or where a horse was allowed to crap.
Good for them. Their masterpiece has stood the test of time.

--Vic