J. Clarke wrote:
Tim Daneliuk wrote:
J. Clarke wrote:
Just Wondering wrote:
J. Clarke wrote:
Tim Daneliuk wrote:

J. Clarke wrote:
SNIP

Not sure that penalizing them for deficit spending is
necessarily
a
good idea. Sometimes that helps the economy.
This is arguable. The government produces nothing, hence cannot
add to the GDP.
The effect is indirect.


But even if it did so, the Federal Government
has no Constitutional authority to "help the economy".
Comes under "promote the general welfare".


That language comes from the preamble to the constitution, which,
despite what some people including apparently you believe, does
NOT
grant the federal government any power.
No, it gives them a duty. The power to perform that duty is
implied.
Are you saying that the Federal government is _forbidden_ to enact
legislation that is beneficial to the economy?

Yes.

So you are saying then that any piece of legislation must be carefully
evaluated for its effect on the economy and any that is found to be
beneficial must not be enacted? Would that not mean then that they
would be obligated to err on the side of caution and only pass
legislation that they were sure was _damaging_ to the economy?

Or are you so naive as to believe that passing a budget for the
Federal government will have _no_ effect on the economy?


I am saying that it is illegal for the Federal government to act
without having *specific* permission to do so in the matter at hand
in the Constitution. Examples of things where no such permission
is granted: Economic regulation, Education, Research, Healthcare,
Welfare, etc. Example of things specifically permitted: Defense
of the borders, running the courts, interstate commerce, running
the post office, etc.

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Tim Daneliuk
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