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Here are a few things the federal government has done that I think most Americans would count as worthwhile achievements:
Rebuild Europe After World War II (most of the money had to be used to buy U.S. goods.) Expand the Right to Vote (I don't see how this is outside of the realm of normal government operation) Promote Equal Access to Public Accommodations (Define please, what Public Accommodations?) Reduce Disease (Once again, I don't see how this is outside of the realm of normal government operation and should actually fall under National Security if you think about it rationally) Reduce Workplace Discrimination (I don't see how this is outside of the realm of normal government operation) Ensure Safe Food and Drinking Water (I don't see how this is outside of the realm of normal government operation, I will split the subject however, althought the FDA defines parameters, the water issue is handled at the local level following those parameters, and you need FDA regulation due to the movement of food resources on a national/international scale) Strengthen the Nation's Highway System (I don't see how this is outside of the realm of normal government operation, it actually falls under commerce. But if you think of it rationally once again, you will immediately notice it is not necessary since the states handle O & M of the interstate systems within their own borders, but to build it initially, yes the Federal level was needed to coordinate the effort and financial means, sounds like a one time tax that spanned the time of the initial build. States should be responsible for subsequent spurs off of this system, thereby keeping the taxes "local". I mean really, if xyz trucking in Boise, Idaho never uses the 990 for any commerce, aren't they getting screwed by having to pay for it?) Increase Older Americans' Access to Health Care Not necessary if those Americans would have planned properly and applied savings through their lives. Of course, you need to have a competitive market for those Health Care services and ethical regulation of such Promote Financial Security in Retirement Completely false, how you even list this is beyond me. All the government has done is push the payment for this bill onto the next generation and financially it is a proven failure. So you can tell grandma and grandpa its ok, you'll be cared for, but tell your grand kids what? Sorry kids, but its not my fault your great great grandparents spent the bank so they could bask in retirement?....see Social Security for details. Improve Water Quality Repititive........See Ensure Safe Food and Drinking Water above Support Veterans' Readjustment and Training (I don't see how this is outside of the realm of normal government operation) Promote Scientific and Technological Research Falls under Commerce and is actually done on a Quasi-entity level, between the private and public sectors (at multiple levels) Contain Communism See Vietnam......I guess if you could ask the 58,236 that died there what would they say? I would include the 36,516 of the Korean conflict, but atleast they fought to a stalemate. How much is a life worth? Improve Air Quality (I don't see how this is outside of the realm of normal government operation) Enhance Workplace Safety (I don't see how this is outside of the realm of normal government operation) Strengthen the National Defense (I don't see how this is outside of the realm of normal government operation) Reduce Hunger and Improve Nutrition This is more philosophical in nature, The farmers reduce hunger, the government has approved products that actually counter your statement of "improved nutrition".......not to mention they still let McDonalds keep their doors open, kind of a hypicritical program, do ya think? Increase Access to Post-Secondary Education Not Necessary, you want a post-secondary education, be accountable for yourself Enhance Consumer Protection (Dept. of Commerce. I don't see how this is outside of the realm of normal government operation) Expand Foreign Markets for U.S. Goods Hmmmm............see NFTA, CAFTA or for a blanket coverage, see Free Trade Agreements overall. I'm sure the steel, automotive, textile and various other industry workers (millions of them by the way) that are now making 50% less or more now share your enthusiasm. Protect the Wilderness (I don't see how this is outside of the realm of normal government operation) Promote Space Exploration See...........Promote Scientific and Technological Research Protect Endangered Species (I don't see how this is outside of the realm of normal government operation) Expand Home Ownership Do we really want to start speaking on Bear Sterns, Freddy and Fanny? I mean really Godzilla, you put this on the list? Strengthen the Nation's Airways System (Dept. of Commerce. I don't see how this is outside of the realm of normal government operation) Increase Low-Income Families' Access to Health Care (I don't see how this is outside of the realm of normal government operation, but, I would put this under National Defense, including the CDC, the outbreak of disease through inappropriate treatment could cause wide spread disease, thats the only reason why, otherwise, be accountable for ones self.) Improve Elementary and Secondary Education Necessary only at the local level, not the federal Advance Human Rights and Provide Humanitarian Relief Not necessary..........even the founders touted against foriegn intervention, more money comes from the private sector for these types of programs than the public sector. I am not saying they are bad ideas or insturments of safey for our nation, but quite frankly, people need to be self accountable, even people in other nations. Our own founding we did not receive direct help, we had to purchase it, from the French.
...and this has only been in the last half century. Not bad for government work. I think you are missing the point on government intervention altogether.
_________________ Lord Stanley's Cup is what its all about. Mr. Pegula, your destiny awaits you sir.
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