What a Constitutionalist President Would Look Like
Ask most Americans what they would do if they were to become president, and chances are that most of their answers would involve unconstitutional — but well-intentioned — actions. Of course, we know where the road “paved with good intentions” leads, and we need limitations on government. A president should not be able to do whatever he wants, but only what is constitutionally permissible. Robert Welch, founder of The John Birch Society (parent organization of The New American), addressed this question in an article to members in March 1968.
Welch, a practical constitutionalist, wrote several pages of suggested actions to get America back on track. Keep in mind, the mission he laid out for the Society (“less government, more responsibility, and — with God’s help — a better world”) formulated the basis for his answer. While written in 1968 — 10 years after the JBS founding meeting — his sage advice stands the test of time. We present it here in greatly condensed, edited form.
First Things First
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