Generally Speaking Of Welfare

“I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents.”― James Madison

I love the Founding Fathers. Those framers were filled with freaky quotes.

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On and off I read and hear debates about the "general welfare" in the United States constitution.

Here's what I remember from my days in post-secondary education - which amounted to Grade 14.

Let's start with Tommy Jefferson:

“The laying of taxes is the power, and the general welfare the purpose for which the power is to be exercised. They [Congress] are not to lay taxes ad libitum for any purpose they please; but only to pay the debts or provide for the welfare of the Union. In like manner, they are not to do anything they please to provide for the general welfare, but only to lay taxes for that purpose.”

Of course, the argument goes, what did they mean specifically by "general welfare" and the application of law regarding it?

It always, it seems anyway, comes down to Madison vs. Hamilton. If one recalls the Federalist Papers, Hamilton favored (clearly), a wide role of the federal government in American life whereas Madison's was more restrictive. Once you're aware of this, you realize the debate that goes on in contemporary times actually has a long history.

It never was and never will be settled. Which is why I laugh whenever I hear anyone say, "we're taking our country back."

However, despite Hamilton's Hobbesian outlook, I think even Alex would be astonished by how his views have been generalized to the point of rendering the concept of individual freedom moot. Which is why, I reckon, Madisonian thinking is making a comeback. Moreover, it might explain a resurgence in thinkers like Hayak, Bastiat, Galiani, von Mises, Rothbard, Friedman and even Rand.

The Framers weren't welfarists. They were liberal and enlightened but in a conservative way - if you can follow this. They would consider taking one dollar from one person and giving it to another by force as an affront to civil existence and liberties. Furthermore, they would not consider it to be progressive but would probably view it as one enabling and enfeebling their fellow man.

The state and people who support constant state interference in our personal lives are pyromaniacs. They cling to the notion that if the state whithers, so too will society. And that's a sad outlook on things.