Eric Farris, of Branson, recently wrote a Facebook post that perfectly encapsulated the entire budget problem we have in our nation today:

‎I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents.- James Madison

James Madison was the primary architect of the world’s oldest constitution, the Constitution of the United States of America! In fact, he is heralded as the “Father of the U.S. Constitution.” Who better to speak to the intent of the document, especially when it concerns the intended limited powers of the Federal government?

Many will argue that a country as great and well-off as the United States has an obligation to care for its less fortunate citizens. I actually agree. However, I agree with James Madison that it is not the government’s role to take from some to give to others for such purposes.

The current budget problems can primarily be attributed to the Federal government’s inability to live within its established powers. Spending on such items as entitlement programs – which include not just welfare programs but subsidies as well – is the biggest reason why our budget is about to break our collective backs.

Yes, a country as great and well-off as the United States should provide for the less fortunate among us – but We the People have the responsibility, not our government!