Quote:
Originally Posted by Trample the Elderly
Alright, I'll play along. I don't think that any of the needs on Maslow's chart has anything to do with the role of the Federal Government. IMO the government has a very limited role. So when you say "as compared to other things they spend money on", then I'd be happy to cut a majority of those things.
There are a dozen ways to cut spending in the military without limiting it. Stop outsourcing it to outside contractors. When I was in we cooked our own food, pumped our own fuel, provided our own security details, etc. A lot of those things are done by contractors now. You can also stop enlisting women, cut down on the myriad of uniforms and non-essential equipment, and lower the education requirments for the Army.
I'd also be cool with rolling up all of the spy agencies into two arms, the FBI and the CIA. One for domestic and the other for foreign investigation. Seeing how many secrets the Chinese have stolen, I don't see what good all of these agencies are doing.
Back to your orginal arguement. You seem to have a totally different opinion on what the role of the government is than I do. You want a Democracy with Socialist aspects and I want a Republic with Democratic principles. Don't get all upset either. When a government controls industry, and has its hand in every other aspect of your life that's socialism.
Just because we have the money to do something, doesn't mean it should be done. Please tell me where all of that money is. If we cut spending we also need to start paying back debt too.
The government has in the past checked people coming into this country for disease. That's a role they are obligated to serve. They don't check illegals because they chose not to stop them. That's playing politics with a nation's health. The Fed also puts on commercials about AIDS and smoking, both being for the most part people's stupid choices. When it comes to the real role of government the politicians just play politics with other people's lives and money (livelihood). Why do you trust those worms?
|
Regarding Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, i was referring to it in a very broad sense related to basic needs that everyone has and the associated responsibility (in my view) of a government to provide for as many of those needs as possible within reason. Regarding your stance on illegal immigration and the "disease" they bring with them, remember that there are millions of tourists who come to this country every year without being scanned for illness excepting special circumstances.
I'm not sure how you can realistically state that public education regarding real threats (i.e. aids, smoking) vs. largely exaggerated threats (terror level is orange, no red, ok blue) is a bad thing.
Lastly, i'm not getting "all upset" as there's been nothing here to be upset about. It's a discussion, one which we differ on but I enjoy the conversation. It'd be boring otherwise. And you're right, i have no problem with some aspects of socialism. I've said it previously, a good idea is a good idea, regardless of where/whom it comes from.