"To lay taxes to provide for the general welfare of the United States,
that is to say, 'to lay taxes for the purpose of providing for the
general welfare.' For the laying of taxes is the power, and the general
welfare the purpose for which the power is to be exercised. They are not
to lay taxes ad libitum for any purpose they please; but only to pay the
debts or provide for the welfare of the Union."
-- Thomas Jefferson
(1743-1826), US Founding Father, drafted the Declaration of Independence, 3rd US President
