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There's a point I hear you folks make often that as far as I am concerned illustrates your ignorance. I often hear you folks cry "the government never does a good job at running things". Of course with respect to a government public health care option you're making that statement with the inference the government is going to ruin health care.
I come from a conservative state, and argue this with conservatives around me who are not idiots quite often. I'll give you their perspective.
Well, I have a few questions for you. How good of a job does the government do at running our military? Don't you folks often brag that we have the best military in the world hands down?
Ever hear of a $1000 toilet seat, $900 hammer, and troops going to war without armor? We have the best military, but cost effective and efficient does not describe the DOD.
How good of a job does the government do at running federal, state and local law enforcement agencies? As far as I am concerned, too good of a job if you ask me. You can't get away with anything now days no matter how small of a deal it is.
The argument is about the federal government, not state and local. That said federal law enforcement isn't doing so great a job at stopping 12 million illegal immigrants from coming here, has totally failed in their war on drugs, among a litany of other issues with federal law enforcement. Rebubs will also cite Waco and Ruby ridge and militarization and politicization of federal law enforcement as well.
How good of a job does the government do at running fire and emergency services? Do you agree that you can expect having no problems in getting emergency services if you pick up the phone and call upon them?
Never heard of a federal fire dept. around here. 90% of fire depts in the U.S. are local volunteer fire depts. As for federal emergency services FEMA, Katrina, nuff said
How good of a job does the government do at running the public highways? How do you drive to work everyday? Do you take it for granted without thinking about it that 99% of time the road you're driving on is always in reasonable to good condition?
The interstate highway system is a mess and in quite bad repair, bridges are collapsing, most new highways are now toll roads, many foreign owned and many are in traffic jams for long periods on the way to work. Highway funds are taken through taxes and held as blackmail against states over political policy. Again we're talking federal government here.
How good of a job does the government do at running public infrastructure? Step outside and smell the air. Do you smell any sewage? No? Who do you think is responsible for running sewage treatment plants? Turn on your taps. Is the water reaching your house's plumbing? Do you ever have to worry about this service reaching your house? No? Who do you think is responsible for running the services to install and maintain water mains?
Again the discussion is federal government. Local governments operate water and sewer, and many not very well. The EPA is involved in water treatment standards, which is a subject best left alone or nobody reading will look at their water the same way again. Coming from someone who has held a state health dept. license for water municipal water treatment.
Now what was that again about "the government never does a good job at running things"?
Now for my part I would put forward things like the FAA which does a very good job for the money, DOT does a reasonable job as do some others like the national weather service...
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