That could happen and, if it does, I would be much happier to see the Red Cross or the Salvation Army or United Way or the like show up ... more so that a bunch of moldy FEMA trailers and unaccountable, overpaid bureaucrats.

There are too many Government agencies that exist today because "we do it that way because we've always done it that way." Once started, we never seem to be able to even measure their effectiveness let alone make them go away. It's time we started taking a little more personal responsibility and stop thinking like victims. Americans not only look out for one another but we've also shown incredible generosity when there are disasters around the world. Why would we need the central planners to do this for us?

And, while we're at it, let's hire an efficiency expert company to analyze the effectiveness of a few other agencies ... like the Department of Education, the Export-Import Bank, the Department of Energy, and on and on. And how do we continue to defend the existence of the so-called "War on Poverty" with it's record of utter failure? I'm sure you know the definition of "insanity" don't you?

Fair question. Here's what I think. This country has been successful for a number of reasons, not the least of which are the facts that we have a huge and varied land full of natural resources and that we are populated by immigrants who came here to become Americans and to find their fortunes. Sadly, too many newcomers are coming here to colonize and to take what others have earned. That said, we must never lose sight of the fact that the States created the Federal government, not the other way around. Much of the power at the Federal level was once closer to the people and therefore under more control by the citizens.

As American citizens, we have mobility. If we don't like the policies in our state, or we can't earn a living where we live, it's very easy to go wherever we desire. Let's say you live in California and you can't earn enough money to cover the high cost of living and the taxation ... you can easily move to let's say North Dakota where the forces of supply and demand have created a far more comfortable living situation. (As an aside: I believe that, in time, California will either change it's ways or it will become a part of Mexico.) Over time, the States will pay attention to what works and what doesn't. The Federal government seems to constantly want to re-invent the wheel.

Look at the bankrupt cities: Detroit was once the darling of industry and was one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country. While it's shocking that the city leaders are still asleep at the wheel, it's only a matter f time before they will be d**gged, kicking and screaming, back to policies that will allow the citizens to flourish.

Marvin enough with this sly narrative that avoids the real questions. What works? We all want to be compassionate. I'm tired of you and the liberals immediate claim that we who believe in limited government are not compassionate. Give a man a fish and you feed him a meal. Teach a man to fish and he will eat his whole life. Government programs create bureaucracies that are expensive and inefficient. Limited government allows for the free flow of expression, innovation and commerce that creates jobs and opportunity.

I think mass media has painted a picture that people wish they could be a part of.

The picture is of a life style that only a few can live but many dream of.

So yes this leaves them trapped in a life that seems almost toxic to them.

As I see it is just to much greed by a few that suck to much of the wealth of the system in to their own pockets.

For my self I choose to live a much plainer life style so I have money left over. I do mot pursue more money just to have more. I am still working, but fewer hours hoping to keep pace with the cost of living.

Marvin enough with this sly narrative that avoids the real questions. What works? We all want to be compassionate. I'm tired of you and the liberals immediate claim that we who believe in limited government are not compassionate. Give a man a fish and you feed him a meal. Teach a man to fish and he will eat his whole life. Government programs create bureaucracies that are expensive and inefficient. Limited government allows for the free flow of expression, innovation and commerce that creates jobs and opportunity.

All federal government agencies (except the FBI) had an excellent reputation for civil service until small government nuts shrunk the departments until they were small enough to drown in a bathtub. Then they complain about inefficiency!

If you want to see the problem, look in a mirror!

Spoken like a true bureaucrat.

My apologies, I couldn't resist a snarky response to yours. This thread is intended for people who seek to identify issues and discuss solutions. I doubt that's what you're looking for. I suggest you look at some of the other threads and I'm sure you'll find the type of posts you seek.

That could happen and, if it does, I would be much happier to see the Red Cross or the Salvation Army or United Way or the like show up ... more so that a bunch of moldy FEMA trailers and unaccountable, overpaid bureaucrats.

There are too many Government agencies that exist today because "we do it that way because we've always done it that way." Once started, we never seem to be able to even measure their effectiveness let alone make them go away. It's time we started taking a little more personal responsibility and stop thinking like victims. Americans not only look out for one another but we've also shown incredible generosity when there are disasters around the world. Why would we need the central planners to do this for us?

And, while we're at it, let's hire an efficiency expert company to analyze the effectiveness of a few other agencies ... like the Department of Education, the Export-Import Bank, the Department of Energy, and on and on. And how do we continue to defend the existence of the so-called "War on Poverty" with it's record of utter failure? I'm sure you know the definition of "insanity" don't you?