[MrB]

I nearly saw a lib’s head explode once over my statement of

“simply being a good idea doesn’t mean that the government legally has the power to do it”

[allmendream]

My point exactly!

They simply cannot wrap their minds around the concept that the government doesn't have an unlimited mandate to wield unlimited power in innumerable ways - so long as it is in service of “a good idea” or accomplishes a “societal good”.

They really have no concept of a government of LIMITED and ENUMERATED powers.

Witness Kagan (IIRC) talking about ‘it sounds like a boatload of money rather than an imposition’ or whatever - in answer to a question as to the Constitutionality of the mandate. Sort of a “Hey it is a financial windfall - take the money - who cares if the government has the power to regulate in that fashion - taking the money would be a good thing”.

[central_va]

“simply being a good idea doesn’t mean that the government legally has the power to do it”

I wouldn't go there. Govt run anything is never a good idea. You are conceding that Obamacare is a good idea? Are you nuts?