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To: breakem
One more thing ...

The response I made to your first question about the interpretation was meant to explain where I get my interpretation of "regulate". I've stated that I think they meant "to make regular or uniform" the laws for commerce between the states and between the states and foreign nations. The Federalist Papers is where I get that interpretation. I can't see how prohibiting commerce with a particular country can be considered "regulating" because then I would have to admit that the Feds have the power to prohibit one state from trading with another state. I don't think the states would have signed on to that power. But if there is even a question about how a power is construed, I agree with what Thomas Jefferson said :

When an instrument admits two constructions, the one safe, the other dangerous, the one precise, the other indefinite, I prefer that which is safe & precise. I had rather ask an enlargement of power from the nation where it is found necessary, than to assume it by a construction which would make our powers boundless. Our peculiar security is in possession of a written Constitution. Let us not make it a blank paper by construction.

That's why I offered up an Amendment to address the concerns you had about the sale of certain weapons and weapon components to foreign governments.

OK, done now.

338 posted on 03/04/2002 5:03:44 PM PST by Gumption
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To: Gumption
catch ya later
340 posted on 03/04/2002 7:09:20 PM PST by breakem
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 338 | View Replies ]

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