Editor, Gazette-Journal:

In order to justify their votes, politicians often quote "to provide for the … general Welfare" found in the Constitution. However, that clause gives the reason for collecting taxes—to protect the well-being (Welfare) of everyone in the populace (general)—to protect, not subsidize.

The Constitution enumerates the exact ways that tax money may be spent and that list does not include welfare checks. Furthermore, the 10th Amendment states that if it isn’t listed, the government can’t do it.

But, you may ask, why shouldn’t welfare checks be authorized? There are some who truly need assistance. Should they not get help? Of course they should. It’s not a question of whether they should be helped, but rather, how is the best way to help them.

We all know that buying at wholesale prices is more economical than shopping in the high-rent district. The major reason for this is there are not nearly so many overhead costs...