"It would reduce the whole instrument to a single phrase, that of instituting a Congress with power to do whatever would be for the good of the United States; and as they would be the sole judges of the good or evil, it would be also a power to do whatever evil they please. Certainly no such universal power was meant to be given them. It [the Constitution] was intended to lace them up straightly within the enumerated powers and those without which, as means, these powers could not be carried into effect."
This was Thomas Jefferson's opinion on Congress in 1791. It applies just as much today - and even more so! Our elected officials seem intent on giving us what they want to give us without listening to the voice of the people. We elected them to represent us and listen to us. You don't represent someone when you ignore their wants and wishes. The current healthcare debate reminds me of what my drill sergeant used to tell us in basic training: "When I want your opinion, I'll give it to you."
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