Leif Erikson wrote:

<snip>

> The general welfare is only mentioned in the Preamble, which does *NOT*
> provide any meaningful constitutional authority for anything.
> The Preamble only states the sentiment and intent of the People of the
> United States in implementing the Constitution.

Yes.

> George W. Bush certainly can claim to be
> promoting the general welfare of the people *as he sees it*.

Yes, of course he can. However, some of the things he has
done directly violate provisions of the Constitution
which *are* specifically set out in the document.

<snip>