Why liberals complain that Iraqi war costs us $150 billion, and but do not

[Hermoine]

complain about $1500 billion? of federal money spent every year on entitlements?

The Constitution explicitly gives to Federal government the right to collect taxes for purpose of waging wars. Nowhere in the Constitution was said that the government has the right to spread wealth.

I understand that liberals like welfare checks more than liberty, but what about the Constitution?

 

[toughguy]

I'm with Milo. Come on punks.

 

[JoshuaH]

The Constitution doesn't say that the government can build highways or schools either, but we do both. It doesn't have to. It provides the legal mechanisms that allow us to do all of these things.

 

[dan]

We Need A Law Against All Lies

I Say Give To Em Life Prison

 

[Supernovea]

I'm not a liberal but I too am concerned about massive federal spending. It is the primary cause of our economic crisis and our government needs to reign itself in. I also oppose the Iraq war because Saddam Hussein did not represent a significant threat. My policies are more libertarian than anything else. Thomas Jefferson once said that we should trade with all nations and be allies with none.

 

[mollie]

well, Hermoine, the iraqi war is unnecessary. there are no weapons of mass destruction and yet we spend billions of dollars to stay there. and god forbid we want to spread some wealth to people who need it. because the wealthy don't need that fourth coach bag while people are starving.

 

[NickC]

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States

Above is the actual text of the taxation clause which allows for the collection of taxes to pay debts, and as you say to provide for the common defense but also the general welfare which can be interpreted in many many ways

All types of aid to the needy -- Medicaid, housing subsidies, aid to poor families with children (welfare, which accounts for about 1 percent of the budget), food stamps, school lunches and so on, plus unemployment benefits -- account for about 16 percent of the budget. Which amounts to around 411 billion a far cry from the 1.5 trillion that you are claiming

 

[Mike]

It is strange getting this question from a person who just answered a they received a stimulus check and kept it.

No where in the constitution does it say it is our role to fight for oil and build nations. The purpose for building a standing military force is to defend the USA. Iraq never attacked us. You seem to overlook that little point of fact.

As far for other spending that the government does, when you stop using federal agencies, then you'll have right to complain. Last time I check it was the government that build the arpanet which became the internet, which is the very medium you are using for this rant of a question.

Perhaps you should actually read the constitution before you quote from it.

 

[zenith7313]

Funny you should mention the Constituion, since the Iraq War itself was unconstitutional.

 

[justagrandma]

Social Security isn't an entitlement, its paid for by your and your employers contributions, its more like an insurance policy. So is unemployment insurance. Taxes are used for many things but welfare isn't really spreading the wealth.
Its more like a last gasp before you starve.
You understand nothing, nothing at all
But with the economy in the tank from people who feel greed is the only answer, you may be the next to find out how poor poor is and how pitifully little you get on welfare.
And yes, as others have pointed out your figures are as off the wall as your assessment of our presence in Iran. Or your ability to forget so conveniently about my 'wealth' going to Wall St. and AIG.

 

[Sahara1]

Wow. Your interpretation of our Constitution is stunning. Are you a Constitutional lawyer? Where does Promote the General Welfare of the Population come into play? That is in the preamble to the constitution. How much do you read? Who are your favorite authors? Where did you go to law school and study the Constitution in detail? Do you have it memorized?

You would be happier down in South America. I'll help you pack.

I'm a liberal. Where's my welfare check? Did it get lost in the mail? Hmmm..... Never been on welfare. I've been fortunate in life. I've worked very hard. Still my security is in jeopardy because of widespread corruption - coming mainly from authoritarian republicans. Your way of thinking has been discredited time and again. Have you studied history? Did you go to college? Did you study?

In case you were not aware, there are no entitlement programs down in South America. You want your kids to have an education then you need to come up with the money to send them. No freebies.

You should read Noam Chomsky if you can handle him.

Do you feel the same about corporate welfare?

Hmm.. Is it better to give the money to the companies or to American taxpayers that will be paying either way? Hmmm...
Companies that give bonuses to their failing executives.
Or money to taxpayers so they can pay their bills since their income is not rising as it should. We are the most productive country on the planet. Yet most people that contribute to this do not share in the success. People used to share in that success.

We are also not a true democracy but if we were it would be majority rules. Your kind is not in the majority. You are in the minority. We are a republic though so it's possible for your kind to have decision making ability.

All of the entitlements are being taken away. Oh, surprise, look at the state of the country. Coincidence? The Constitution means nothing. You are getting exactly what you say you want. Why aren't you jumping for joy? Ever stop and think about that?

 

[Dominic]

1.5 trillion a year on entitlements? Really?

150 billion for the war? Really?

Yeah...first double check your figures and then take a few introductory classes on U.S. Poli Sci.

And stop pretending like "Liberals" are the only ones supporting social welfare programs. Ever hear of Social Security? Medicare? How about the billions GW Bush gave to Africa? What about the hundreds of billions in aid given to the rest of the world by every U.S. president over the last 60 years?

These oversimplified, straw-man arguments are just plain stupid.

 

[Dubya'slegacy]

First of all, the illegal Iraq war is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY more than "$150 billion."

Secondly, the government just got through "spreading wealth" by giving MY taxdollars to Wall Street. Pure THEFT.

Thirdly, the Constitution most certainly DOES provide that the government "promote the general welfare" which means looking out for those who cannot help themselves. The sick, the elderly, the infirm.

And lastly - the most heinous "entitlements" are the billions spent on politicians in this country. You want to take on a "cause" I suggest you start there.

 

[MashP]

What constitution? :-I