5 ms·

Do favor abolishing the Library of Congress? It isn't mentioned in the Constitution. Neither is the FAA, NSA, Department of the Air Force, etc.

CWuestefeld 16y ago
The NSA, Air Force, etc. are branches of the armed forces. While not explicitly mentioned by name, they're pretty clearly implied by Article I Section 8. The FAA is a little grayer, and I wouldn't necessarily mind losing it. But I can see it sneaking in under the (much abused) Interstate Commerce Clause, also in Article I Section 8. I can't put my finger on anything authorizing a giant library. Maybe under the "necessary and proper" clause, with a claim that they need a comprehensive library at hand in order to research for the government's other responsibilities (in real life, do they actually use it for that?).
- MichaelSalib 16y ago
  A modern air force gives the President the ability to push some buttons and annihilate entire American cities. At his sole discretion. With no judicial review. And no legislation needed. I cannot imagine how granting such unlimited power to the President is congruent with any rational reading of the Constitution. Do you really believe that the founders who insisted that the President couldn't be trusted with the ability to declare war would be happy giving the President complete authority to annihilate entire cities at his sole discretion?
- _delirium 16y ago
  Considering the Library of Congress was established in 1800, and overseen by many of the same people who wrote and ratified the Constitution (Thomas Jefferson personally donated his book collection to it), you must have an understanding of the Constitution quite different from the founders if you think the LOC isn't authorized by it.
- enjo 16y ago
  You would favor abolishing the FAA? Really?
- yequalsx 16y ago
  It appeared from your original statement that things not listed in the Constitution were opposed by you. This includes the Department of the Air Force. The Constitution allows for the Department of the Navy and the Department of the Army but nothing about the Department of the Air Force. I would say promoting the general welfare includes making all non-copyrighted materials publicly available. Clearly we differ on this but the assertion that it's unconstitutional is not so clear cut as you make it to be.

CWuestefeld 16y ago

The NSA, Air Force, etc. are branches of the armed forces. While not explicitly mentioned by name, they're pretty clearly implied by Article I Section 8. The FAA is a little grayer, and I wouldn't necessarily mind losing it. But I can see it sneaking in under the (much abused) Interstate Commerce Clause, also in Article I Section 8. I can't put my finger on anything authorizing a giant library. Maybe under the "necessary and proper" clause, with a claim that they need a comprehensive library at hand in order to research for the government's other responsibilities (in real life, do they actually use it for that?).

MichaelSalib 16y ago
A modern air force gives the President the ability to push some buttons and annihilate entire American cities. At his sole discretion. With no judicial review. And no legislation needed. I cannot imagine how granting such unlimited power to the President is congruent with any rational reading of the Constitution. Do you really believe that the founders who insisted that the President couldn't be trusted with the ability to declare war would be happy giving the President complete authority to annihilate entire cities at his sole discretion?
_delirium 16y ago
Considering the Library of Congress was established in 1800, and overseen by many of the same people who wrote and ratified the Constitution (Thomas Jefferson personally donated his book collection to it), you must have an understanding of the Constitution quite different from the founders if you think the LOC isn't authorized by it.
enjo 16y ago
You would favor abolishing the FAA? Really?
yequalsx 16y ago
It appeared from your original statement that things not listed in the Constitution were opposed by you. This includes the Department of the Air Force. The Constitution allows for the Department of the Navy and the Department of the Army but nothing about the Department of the Air Force. I would say promoting the general welfare includes making all non-copyrighted materials publicly available. Clearly we differ on this but the assertion that it's unconstitutional is not so clear cut as you make it to be.