The following letter to the editor was published in response to my letter. The collectivist mindset is deeply embedded in the American people.
Constitution supports government programs
Regarding “We must end the welfare state” (Your Views, Nov. 3):
Ramapo College Professor Murray Sabrin’s suggestion that we should phase out the “welfare” state undermines the intent of the U.S. Constitution. The Founding Fathers specifically stated in the preamble the intent “to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense [and] promote the general welfare.”
Hence, the Constitution is intended (among other things) to promote the general “welfare” of all the people, not just those with wealth and privilege. Promoting the general welfare includes funding public education and public projects to benefit everyone. That includes funding roads and bridges, police and other first responders and protecting our food, water and natural environment.
It also justifies Social Security, unemployment insurance, Medicare and a public policy to promote full employment.
Ed Morley
Glen Rock