Good Ideas

If it is a good idea for Congress to force us to buckle up and wear a helmet on a motorcycle, isn't it also a good idea to force us to regularly exercise?

There is only one question to ask were there to be a debate whether Congress should mandate regular exercise. Whether regular exercise is a good idea or a bad idea is entirely irrelevant. The only relevant question is: Is it permissible under the Constitution? That means we must examine the Constitution to see whether it authorizes Congress to mandate exercise. From my reading, the Constitution grants no such authority.

The Constitution granted Congress limited and enumerated powers. Dr. Walter Williams explains how the Constitution was written to protect us from an onerous government. We no longer look to the Constitution for protection. We look to Congress for handouts and bailouts. Congress is happy to oblige but they come with strings attached. We should consider the wisdom of this direction.