[Maceman]

The Founders themselves didn't think education of the young was out of bounds for federal concern. In fact, Congress is authorized to "raise armies", and I daresay that one of the things you want in an army are a whole lot of guys who can read, write, cipher, think, do stuff, and all of that.

That is a ridiculous stretch. By your reading of the word "raise" there would be no limit to what the government can do. We need straong, well-fed young people to raise an army too. Does that mean that the government should own all the farms?

I normally don't like to hurl epithets when reasoned discussion is called for. But I'll make an exception here. Your analysis is just plain nuts.

[muawiyah]

Now you are catching on.

I simply stretched one clause one direction.

It's pretty much the same technique you are using. You totally ignore history and the actions of the Founders to come up with your own interpretation of the Constitution which you then use to declare un-constitutional an activity that even Thomas Jefferson thought was very Constitutional.

Now, for the main thrust, warp and woof of this debate - you stooped to name-calling first. That means you must be a Liberal!