Washington Bickering Leaves Little Hope for Change - WSJ.com

Washington Bickering Leaves Little Hope for Change - WSJ.com

Isn't part of the problem the fact that government is trying to do too much?

In other words, as government tries to portray itself as the provider of benefits and services (Democrats) or to enforce social rectitude (Republicans) or to favor particular interests (e.g. unions for Democrats and certain businesses), isn't Washington just sticking its neck into areas that should be left to individuals?

Every tax dollar Washington raises comes from someone's pocket - depriving that person or business of a chance to make their own decision.

Why save for retirement - there's social security.

Why take care of one's health - their Medicare, Medicaid.

Etc., etc.

Isn't part of the electorate really saying that the government should do less and take less?

Sadly, the other part of the political framework (right and left) believes government should do more (as noted above on the left and religious right). What should scare people is that rents in Washington, DC are now higher than in New York City.

So, while we excoriate our banks (and as reported this morning Morgan Stanley is planning to move some of its banking offshore), we build up more and more government.

What's the figure? For every dollar government takes, that's 2 less for the private sector (read: economy) today and $5 for the future?