“You can put this on the record. That is not a serious question. That is not a serious question.”Nancy Pelosi's press spokesman, Nadeam Elshami, when the speaker of the House was asked where the Constitution authorized Congress to mandate that individual Americans buy health insurance.
FLASHBACK: "When Asked Where the Constitution Authorizes Congress to Order Americans To Buy Health Insurance, Pelosi Says: 'Are You Serious?'" by Matt Cover, republished December 13, 2010, the day U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson in Richmond, Virginia declared the mandate on individuals in the health-care legislation goes beyond Congress’ powers to regulate interstate commerce.
(originally published October 22, 2009)
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U.S. Constitution Preamble:
"We the People of the United States, in Order to . . . promote the general Welfare . . ."
U.S. Constitution Article 1, Section 8:
"The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States"
"General Welfare" would be the key Constitutional phrase allowing Government to provide healthcare for citizens.
The Commerce Clause makes the mandate operational, but the key element is that the Constitution REQUIRES the U.S. government through Congress to provide for the General Welfare of citizens in this country.
Why is it that Conservatives have such an easy time with the "provide for the Common Defense" part of the Constitution, but when it comes to providing for the General Welfare of people they fall silent?
Is that part of the Constitution somehow less important than the waging war part?
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