View of today's American from Past Presidents

We have some Giants in our history. Men who formed this country. Scholars, statesmen, true intellectuals (not what populates our colleges today). These men had a classical education. They could comment on the works of Greek philosophers after having read their work in the original language. Today we have Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, and Barney Frank!

John Kennedy knew this. He spoke these words to a group of 'really smart people' who were gathered at the White House:

I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of Human knowledge, that has ever been gathered at the White House -- with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."

Why do I bring this up? Jefferson left us with a good understanding of his view of history, as well as of the future. We really don't have to 'wonder' what he would think about the events of today - I believe we already know.

The Democrats are all patting themselves on the back having just passed the Porkulis bill. The Republicans have plenty to be ashamed of - given the way they spent money the last 6 years. With all that is going on, we should ask WWJS. What would Jefferson say?

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government

We already have way to much - and we are getting ready to make it exponentially worse. The Republicans TALK about smaller government - but do the opposite. The Dems are genetically unable to even utter the phrase.

“To compel a man to furnish funds for the propagation of ideas he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical,”

Well, this has been going on for decades. And as far as Porkulis is concerned. 65+% of the people say NO - but congress says 'The hell with you - we won the election, get out of our way'.

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them

and

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

Well, Porkulis strikes again! The rationale for the TRILLION plus in spending? Well, if we don't do 'something', people will suffer.

It seems like Jefferson does not think that is governments role. Neither, as it turns out, can we afford it. It also turns out, that most of the spending in Porkulis would have been viewed as unconstitutional by the guy that wrote the constitution.

Think of that! We have strayed very far from the meaning of the constitution. I frankly do not give a damned how the Supreme Court of today 'interprets' Jefferson's meaning in the constitution. Not when I can read the thoughts of Jefferson himself.

Some other pretty smart guys have weighed in along these lines. Lincoln (the REAL Lincoln - not Oba-Lincoln) said:

“When the people find they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.”

Based on that, the end is near. Or, it has already arrived and we just don't realize it yet.

Calvin Coolidge (Ok- he is a light-weight - but he managed to say something profound):

“We contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.”

Yah - too late for that.

Folks - these guys are right about several things:

• The Constitution forbids the kind of wealth transfer going on today.
  
• Our form of government will not survive the wholesale theft, through taxes, of wealth from one so that it can be bestowed on another
  
• Our government has gotten too large to not become tyrannical
  
• The principle of higher taxes to help the economy is foolishness on its face

But, history also tells us that be have crossed the Rubicon. What is done is done. As Caesar said prior to crossing the literal Rubicon - The Die is Cast.