Re: Arrangement of Parts

Adding more parts to the equation is certainly a Good Idea. We've both said that in our own way. Therefore, I not only empathize with your point; I agree 100% that it's reasonably valid. In some obvious and egotistical way, I am reminded that providing actual SERVICES - not just changing who writes the checks and where they get the funding - is indeed such a simple solution (proposed, as you will remember, by the child-like mind of yours truly).

That said, and as you continue to work on this most challenging subject, I would caution you to remember that (IMHO) the leadership of BOTH political parties in the U.S. have (apparently) failed to understand that business in America is run by actual People... those strange creatures called Human Beings. They fail to realize that constantly calling such individuals 'evil' and 'immoral' and calling their integrity into question (no matter one might justify it) is not an effective method to encourage voluntary changes in how they operate under a given set of conditions (especially when such conditions are dictated and controlled by those self-same politicians).

And lest we forget the ultimate responsibility rightfully assigned to the U.S. voting public --- it has been said that Vox Populi, Vox Dei can be translated as "My God, How did we get in THIS mess?"

Keep in mind that all Human Beings suffer from a natural condition where, under certain difficult circumstances, they may become disheartened. When this happens they *will* take ACTION eventually. First and foremost, they may decide to pack it in, go elsewhere, do something else or just quit what used to be called the rat race. (It might as well be called that again since the government seems to think they’re all rats anyway.)

By-and-large capitalistic creatures - or anyone with an admitted self-interest - are *NOT* high-achieving robots who will obey whatever commands the currently elected political class and their friends in the bureaucracy may choose to issue. Regardless of one's desires or Good Intentions, you cannot 'mandate' or 'implement' or FORCE INTO EXISTENCE a willing slave; at least not for long. He will rebel or he will be worthless. And you cannot force someone to "think of an answer" at the point of a gun. These are truths, obvious to all but those within the beltway.

A government bureaucracy is concerned - first and only - with protecting ITSELF; not with actually accomplishing a specific goal. In fact, far too many see the world as being an expanded zero-sum game, where the size of the pie is fixed and cannot be altered. Adding more pieces (or even baking a new pie) is such a radical concept, they cannot accept it, and therefore It Must Be Bad. The only acceptable solution is to TAKE CONTROL OF THE PIE. Egad, save us from the machinations of the well-intentioned...

I agree that a 'simple child' with an obvious(?) solution to our problems would be most welcome. But, I don't think (a) he exists, or (b) the current ruling class would tolerate or accept ANY 'simple solution' which would limit their personal pursuit of why they got into politics in the first place: the accumulation of Power over Others. *sigh* And so it goes.

If you haven't already, a careful re-read of "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand is recommended. Caution: Take it in small bites as the subject will distress you mightily; trust me on this. Be aware that you don't have to drink the kool-aid of the story therein, but do follow the logical series of events presented and contrast against current proposals being run up the flagpole. [shudder]

- Steve