[dubyajames]

On more careful reflection, I can see where my article seems to indicate that implied powers don't exist. Of course, you are correct that their existence has been part of constitutional understanding since the beginning and those Framers who objected to the idea of implied powers were out-voted. Yet is important to note that implied powers must have a direct connection to the expressly enumerated powers of the federal government. Just as the interstate commerce, general welfare and necessary and proper clauses are not blank checks for the federal government, neither is the concept of implied powers.