Big Government
A recent Gallup poll reveals that 54% believe the Federal government has too much power.
Thus, we have a slim majority who have a spark of common sense and desire for freedom for the individual. (Note from 2026. The most recent poll has the figure up to 62%)
The mystery is that some of these obviously have voted for many of the big government politicians we see in office today including the head guy. Believe it or not 36% of Democrats feel the government has too much power.
It’s a little disturbing that two years ago this figure was 59%.
On the bright side “forty-six percent of Americans said they agreed with the statement that the federal government poses an immediate threat to the rights and freedoms of ordinary citizens,’“
36% believe the government has about the right amount of power.
We have here over a third of our populace who are oblivious to the threat of big government. These are like ostriches with their heads in the sand.
The odd thing is that there are 8% of us who believe the government doesn’t have enough power. This 8% must be divided into two groups.
[1] Those who have a death wish.
[2] Those who aspire to political office. LINK
Reader: Is the size of government really such a relevant issue? When I hear people talk of smaller government, they really don’t have much more of anything valuable to say about the subject.
JJ: Not me and like-minded souls. I have lots to say about it and have said lots of things that I consider extremely valuable.
Reader: Smaller in what way?
JJ: Every way.
Reader: Some people who preach about smaller government prefer less power in the government only in some areas but more power in other areas or more power in institutions other than the government.
JJ: I’m definitely not your “some people.” Outside of having power to defend us I want the government smaller in every way. I’d be happy to see Congress in session less, not only making fewer laws but eliminating the useless and detrimental ones.
Reader: Perhaps the quantity of government isn’t as much of an important concern as is
the quality of government.
JJ: If government is too big then quality is a joke.
Here’s downright proof that big government trying to help us often does more harm than good. Here is a doctor who dropped out of the system propped up by government and decided to go on a cash only basis.
The results: His prices dropped by half.
Conclusion; Paperwork demanded by government increases medical costs by double. Read about this HERE
Reader: Sure, you inflate the government and it will overstep its boundaries. However, the government also becomes inflated due to incompetence. The notion that the only solution is to slash the government is simplifying the problem. It does not address the issue of incompetence within the government. It’s not like there are only two choices either. This seems to me to be a very simplified, black-and-white viewpoint mainly because there are varying ideas of what a “small government with maximum freedom” is.
JJ: The trouble is that government is always much more incompetent than private enterprise so it is always logical to make it as small as possible so the incompetence will be reduced to the smallest possible black hole. Trying to make the government more competent is like trying to make Bernie Madoff more responsible by giving him more money.
Perhaps it would be helpful to clarify the definition of government. Here are the first two main definitions of government from my online dictionary:
[1] the people who control a country, region, or city and make decisions about its laws and taxes
more…
[2] the members of the main political party in a legislature, or the members of the cabinet [=the group of politicians with the most important jobs] in a system with a legislature
http://onelook.com/?w=government&ls=a
According to the reader’s use of the word even a family would have a government because the parents impose discipline on the kids.
There is a huge difference between government and administrative authority that exists in groups, corporations and businesses. Here are a few:
[1] Scope of power. Government has power over the whole. Administrative authority has power over a small portion of the whole.
[2] Escape. You cannot escape the power of government. You can move to a different city, state or even country and you still cannot escape it’s reach. It is always there and you must abide by its rules and laws.
On the other hand, if you do not like a policy that Chevron is promoting you can just drop your support and buy from Shell. If you work for Chevron and are unhappy you can quit and sell “I Hate Chevron” Tee Shirts. You can’t quit government.
[3] Government has power to make laws which will result in fines and prison if you beak them. Administrative authority in businesses and groups have no such authority. They can make rules for the group but cannot imprison you if you break them. In some cases, they can legally fire you but you can then get another job somewhere else. On the other hand, you just can’t go out and get another country.
[4] Government has exclusive power to tax. Other organizations do not. Some groups such as unions impose dues for membership, but membership provides a service for which members willingly pay. You can refuse to pay your dues at any time and drop your membership and you will have no fear of going to jail. On the other hand, much of the money that we pay for income taxes does not bring back a just return in services.
[5] One of the legitimate jobs of government is to provide a defense and security for citizens. Other organizations are very limited in this regard. What they can do is controlled by government.
[6] The government has power over the money system and issues and regulates money. If any individual or business attempts to issue legal money they will be prosecuted by government.
Conclusion: Government and private administrative power are two entirely different animals.
The nine most terrifying words in the English language are “I’m from the government and I’m here to help you.” – Ronald Reagan
My 28, 2013
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> Here’s downright proof that big government trying to help us often does more harm than good. Here is a doctor who dropped out of the system propped up by government and decided to go on a cash only basis.
> The results: His prices dropped by half.
> Conclusion; Paperwork demanded by government increases medical costs by double.
The example you gave identifies private insurance companies as being the source of a lot of problems, not big government. Paperwork demanded by insurance companies, not government.
> Reader: Smaller in what way?
> JJ: Every way.
Does that mean you’re ready to defund the police and ICE?
> Outside of having power to defend us I want the government smaller in every way.
So, a well-armed small government? Do I really need to explain why that is such an unserious position to have?
> On the other hand, if you do not like a policy that Chevron is promoting you can just drop your support and buy from Shell. If you work for Chevron and are unhappy you can quit and sell “I Hate Chevron” Tee Shirts. You can’t quit government.
What is it that people like you are always saying? If you don’t like this country, then leave?
> Administrative authority in businesses and groups have no such authority. They can make rules for the group but cannot imprison you if you break them.
Here in the US we have a private corporation that runs prisons. It’s silly of you to pretend that a separation of business and state exists.
> Conclusion: Government and private administrative power are two entirely different animals.
Given how much collusion there is between private enterprise and the government, this is a very simple and uneducated conclusion that is obviously not true. Private business relies on government authority to conduct business and for protection. The largest private businesses benefit a great deal from government systems.