From: Bi-valve Mollusk <Bi-valve_Mollusk@riptear.com>
Newsgroups: alt.fan.rush-limbaugh,can.politics,alt.politics.trump,alt.politics.liberalism,alt.politics.democrats,alt.politics.usa.republican
Subject: Re: Both Presidents Obama And Biden Said They Wanted To End Waste In
Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:06:26 -0500
Organization: A noiseless patient Spider
On 2/21/2025 4:36 PM, -hh wrote:
> On 2/21/25 14:04, Bi-valve Mollusk wrote:
>> ...
>> The test should be real simple:
>>
>> Does <insert spending initiative here> further a constitutionally
>> authorized proper role, purpose and function of the government?
>>
>> If Yes - authroize the spending.
>> If No - whack it.
>
>
> Of course, since all spending by Congress is duly authorized
> Constitutionally, it means that nothing qualifies to get cut.
It's a bit more nuanced than that. Congressional spending doesn't
generally line-item *specific* spending (for ex. see if you can find
'circumcisions in Mozambique' in any US bill). It merely delivers a bag
of cash to an agency to spend in its oh-so infinite wisdom. Furthermore,
Article 2 gives the president significant influence over federal
agencies, including reorganize agencies, direct agency heads to cut
programs, reduce staff, or shift priorities, as long as it aligns with
the law.
> Because once someone besides Congress starts trying to make those
> decisions, one needs to have a third arbiter ... oh, say maybe we need
> to have a Judicial branch?
Which is exactly what's happening right now. Let's call it 'democracy'
in action.
> Until all of that's been decided, Federal funds brought you your
> telephone service, cellular service and internet services, so to make
> sure you're not being a hypocrite, please unplug from USENET now.
>
>
> -hh
So, let's try out my test:
Does telephone service, cellular service and internet services further a
constitutionally authorized proper role, purpose and function of the
government?
Yes - commerce clause. I think I'll stay plugged in.