[Mister Baredog]

However, the Democrats have extrapolated the phrase: "provide for the common defense" and "promote" the general welfare" to mean; "promote" the common defense and "provide for the common welfare".

Good one!

The downhill slide began in earnest with the imposition of the 16th amendment, the federal income tax. Our founding fathers would be appalled.

A $2.2 trillion dollar federal budget and it's NEVER enough for our elected representatives.

Of course the Demoncrats will always want to spend more that anyone.

Their feeble minds are always the highest bidders for any govt program, except defense naturally.

[elbucko]

The downhill slide began in earnest with the imposition of the 16th amendment, the federal income tax. Our founding fathers would be appalled.

Yes they would. The 16th. Amendment is an example of mission creep on the run.