In the quote (the entire quote can be found in post #33), Madison is simply distinguishing which power was behind the formation of the clause and why. If he wanted to exclude all other powers, he would have said "not".
Just because you interpret "rather than" as "not" in this phrase doesn't give you the right to reword Madison's quote and post it as his. Let people read it for themselves -- wassa matter, scared they may not think the way you do? Or are other Freepers not as smart as you and need your translation?
To a native speaker of English, it is plain on its face that "A rather than B" is an assertion that A is correct and B is incorrect (e.g. "nails should be driven using a hammer rather than a screwdriver").
I think we are all clear on that point.
In the quote (the entire quote can be found in post #33), Madison is simply distinguishing which power was behind the formation of the clause and why.
Madison was explaining what "the power to regulate commerce among the several States" meant and what it didn't mean.
If he wanted to exclude all other powers, he would have said "not".
That's why he said "rather than for the postive purposes of the General government."
Just because you interpret "rather than" as "not" in this phrase doesn't give you the right to reword Madison's quote and post it as his.
There were no quotation marks! I did not quote him! Take back your lie or I'll run crying to the moderators! < /robertpaulsen mode>