There was a story which a friend of mine passed along to me several years ago regarding early American History, specifically relating to government spending, which I immediately enjoyed and still remember to this day.
It focused on a conversation between one Davy Crockett and a constituent by the name of Horatio Bunce, regarding an appropriations bill in the US House of Representatives. Mr. Bunce took issue with not only the speed the appropriation was made, but why it was even made in the first place. During their conversation, he also drove that point solidly home by reminding the then campaigning Rep. Crockett:
“The people have delegated to Congress, by the Constitution, the power to do certain things. To do these, it is authorized to collect and pay moneys, and for nothing else. Everything beyond this is usurpation, and a violation of the Constitution.”
Let’s just say that Rep. Crockett had an interesting response to that situation to say the least (along with how it guided his future decisions).
So, what does a discussion nearly two centuries ago have to do with Michigan Politics today?
{Press that button below to find out.}