Welfare, it's in the Constitution


August 11, 2009 · Updated 4:02 PM 

  • 0
  • Print Story
  • Letter/Editor

During the League of Women Voters forum on health care in Coupeville on August 6, one of the speakers said that welfare was plainly stated in the preamble to the Constitution.

Because time was limited, Rep. Barbara Bailey’s reply was brief. She said that it did not mean that the government should provide care. I would appreciate her interpretation of the word “welfare” as written by Thomas Jefferson. What does she think our founding fathers intended, and what does it mean, especially as it relates to universal health care?

Webster’s New World Dictionary: “Welfare ... condition of health, happiness and prosperity; well being.”

The Concise Oxford Dictionary: “Health & prosperity.’’

Trudy Sundberg

Oak Harbor

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.

So keep your comments:

  • Civil
  • Smart
  • On-topic
  • Free of profanity

We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please refer to our Terms of Use for full detail on participating on our site.

blog comments powered by Disqus