[inquest]

But legislation which bans the commerce of a product between all states for "the positive purposes of the General Government" is, of course, allowed.

So in other words you diametrically disagree with Madison. That's fine, if that's your opinion, but I'd advise from now on not invoking the Founders in support of your opinion.

[robertpaulsen]

tacticalogic keeps bringing out that 1829 letter from Madison to Cabell in an attempt to support his point that the commerce clause was meant only to encourage trade.

If you read the complete text, you'll find that this letter was a response from Madison to a question raised by Cabel.

Cabel was wondering if he could tax imports, not to raise money, but to encourage local manufacturing. In other words, if the commerce clause power to regulate commerce with foreign nations included the power to tax to favor local goods over imports. The exact question:

"It is a simple question under the Constitution of the U. S. whether "the power to regulate trade with foreign nations" as a distinct & substantive item in the enumerated powers, embraces the object of encouraging by duties restrictions and prohibitions the manufactures & products of the Country?"

Madison basically said, sure, everybody else does it, without exception.

I agree with Madison.