I don’t think there is any doubt that the Founding Fathers never imagined, in their wildest dreams, a Federal Government as powerful as it is now. This country is now the essence of everything they fought against.

They would be rolling in their graves if they knew how much the government has interjected itself into our daily lives in the name of worthwhile social causes.

While many of the causes seem noble – Peachcare, low interest student loans, more money for Sept 11 victims and appeals for more money pull at our heartstrings; I’ll always be able to counter with other noble causes such as huges payouts to families of fallen police officers or higher pay for our soldiers. The point is we’ll keep going until Facisim / Socialism.

Rugby,

You’re right, they did…that is why they allowed for amendments to the Constitution, see Article 5. That is the mechanism for changing the Constitution. The Constitution was never meant to change over time, like progressives want us to believe. There is a process for changing the Constitution, but it’s not the necessary and proper clause.

Chris is absolutely right. This particular clause is for executing the previous 17 clauses of Article 1, Section 8. It was not meant to expand the powers of Congress.

But let’s ask a Founder. Alexander Hamilton wrote on this clause in The Federalist Papers…here is an example he gave of the purpose of the clause:

This simple train of enquiry furnishes us at once with a test by which to judge of the true nature of the clause complained of. It conducts us to this palpable truth, that a power to lay and collect taxes must be a power to pass all laws necessary and proper for the execution of that power.

He doesn’t back up your claim at all.

The founding fathers anticipated changes in America and put the Elastic Clause in the Constitution so that congress would be able to adapt.

Believing that there should be less government is fine and a good philosophy. Ignoring the intent of this clause so you can justify said philosophy is erroneous.

Clause 18 only says they can make whatever laws necessary for executing the forgoing powers. No where in the previous 17 clauses were education, healthcare, or swimming pools in california YMCAs mentioned.

Even so, Jason isn’t a friend of the taxpayers. Or commuters. Or druggies. Or Christians. Or Athiests.

Jason, do you have any friends?

The Founders believed in the concept of limited government and that government had certain enumerated powers and that it’s main purpose is to protect individual rights.

I suppose you believe the “general welfare” clause of the Constitution should be interpreted broadly as well.

I don’t agree with him at all, but you’ve got to give him props for sticking to his guns.

The interpretation of that clause depends on if you are a progressive or originalist.

I believe it has a very limited meaning, much like the Commerce Clause is supposed to have.

I want my Congressman and Senators to vote and support things that are specifically delegated to Congress under Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution.

Thank God for Ron Paul and Jeff Flake.

And Ben Nelson from Florida that low? Really?