There has been a lot of negativity towards the new administration regarding the destruction of capitalism and the country in general. Over the past 2 months we have seen unemployment skyrocket, the DJIA plummet, and an insane amount of spending — some proposed and some passed.

Although I agree the current administration is doing nothing to stop the continuing recession, I hardly think it is to blame. The policies that got us here began many years ago. In particular I speak of the passing of the 16th Amendment to the Constitution.

First let’s look at how the founders had the issue of taxing right:

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

I’ve added emphasis on four words that speak true brilliance and would have saved our republic.  You see the founding fathers knew about the grand potential of a democracy but they also new the inherent evils of majority rule.  In today’s budget crisis it is far to easy to say, “raise taxes on the rich.”  And since today those considered “rich” — earning more than $250k/year — make up less than 1% of taxpayers, they have no recource against a majority that wants to see them pay.

For this mob-rule mentality we have the 16th Amendment to thank.  You see in 1913 the Federal Governement pulled  a beautiful parlor trick on the populous — causing the citizens to believe this new tax would be more fair.  When in reality all it did was open the floodgates to uncontrollable government spending and class warfare.

The text of the 16th:

The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.

And so, with the ratification of the 16th, one of the great intents of our Constitution quietly died.   The 16th would provide the means necessary to satisfy the country’s greed and allow for stealing, under force of law, from those better off.