Rand Paul: “I am pleased that the Constitution has received a lot of attention in recent weeks, thanks to the tea party movement. It…”

“I am pleased that the Constitution has received a lot of attention in recent weeks, thanks to the tea party movement. It goes without saying that Members of Congress should have read the Constitution many times, and we should continue to study it. Citing the particular clause of the Constitution that authorizes newly introduced legislation is a reasonable suggestion, yet in reality it will do little to restrain unconstitutional growth of Federal Government. We have had such rules in the past and no benefit came of it. The laws that are passed reflect the preferences of those in charge, who promote their personal agenda. For too long that agenda has expanded government at the expense of personal liberty, regardless of which political party was in charge. Generally this trend was supported by voters, who rewarded most Members of Congress with reelection. For many of us, this expansion of government clearly violated the Constitution, yet it was always argued that the program somehow conformed to that 'living' document. By misinterpreting the general welfare clause, the interstate commerce clause, and the 'necessary and proper' clause, Congress has justified every conceivable expansion of the Federal Government. Congress also has misinterpreted the 14th Amendment and legislated as though it had repealed the 10th Amendment. Sadly, Congress has also systematically abdicated its prerogatives and responsibilities to the executive branch over many decades.”