” I have little interest in streamlining government or in making it more efficient, for I mean to reduce its size.
I do not undertake to promote welfare, for I propose to extend freedom.
My aim is not to pass laws, but to repeal them.
It is not to inaugurate new programs, but to cancel old ones that do violence to the Constitution … or have failed their purpose … or that impose on the people an unwarranted financial burden.
I will not attempt to discover whether legislation is “needed” before I have first determined whether it is constitutionally permissible.
And if I should be attacked for neglecting my constituents’ “interests”, I shall reply that I was informed that their main interest is liberty, and in that cause I am doing the very best I can.”
– Barry Goldwater
BUT, the one I don't understand is "I do not undertake to promote welfare, for I propose to extend freedom". Unless this just means less dependence on government and more self-reliance thus more freedom?
christopher says:
I don't think he's talking about the same kind of welfare that the constitution mentions (e.g. the general welfare clause); I think he's talking about our various welfare programs (e.g. distribution of wealth).