Originally posted by: Starbuck1975
Last I checked, we don't use Madison's opinions instead of the Constitution. We use what's written in the Constitution, which is the Congress can collect taxes to provide for the general welfare, and medical care qualifies, which is why Medicare is perfectly constitutional and hasn't been overturned. You are going to tell me healthcare for the elderly is constitutional and healthcare for the young isn't? I'd like to see where YOU find that in the Constitution.
And last I checked, the writings of those who attended the Constitutional Convention have come into play in coming to understand the spirit and intent of the more broadly worded sections of the Constitution.
The Founding Fathers could not envision the problems facing modern government, yet the Constitution continues to function as envisioned because of the broad language used to PREVENT the federal government from assuming an increasing number of powers and responsibilities.
Documentation such as the Federalist Papers, and other writings, are very much a part of our nation's heritage, and how we continue to interpret the Constitution.
It is open to debate as to whether or not medical care qualifies as general welfare...however, per your example, it would be against the general welfare if medical care became a function of class, race, gender or age.