shanek
2nd July 2003, 07:22 AM
This is a very good and clear explanation of why you can't trust a government program to do whatever it is people want it for.
It's easy to think sometimes that a new government program, law, or regulation could cure a pressing social problem.
Whether it's a desire to end abortions, keep the wrong people out of the country, make your city drug-free, stop corporate frauds, crack down on criminals, or make health care more accessible and less expensive, you can imagine how the right new law could make everything okay.
But when you get that kind of thought, I hope you'll remember the seven principles that apply to all government programs — not just the ones you oppose.
He then mentions the 7 principles, with explanations. I'll just post the principles and let you read the explanations at the article:
[list=1]
Government is force.
Government is politics.
You don't control government.
Every government program will be more expensive and more expansive than anything you had in mind when you proposed it.
Power will always be misused.
Government doesn't work.
Government must be subject to absolute limits.
[/list=1]
He then questions:
So the next time you're tempted to think that some government program is just what this country needs, ask yourself these questions:
[list=1]
Do I really want to use force to make this happen? Do I have any idea how many families may be destroyed by giving the government another tool to be enforced with fines and prison terms?
Do I really believe that George Bush, Teddy Kennedy, Hillary Clinton, and Trent Lott will have my best interests at heart when they fashion this new program or law?
Why should I believe supporting this program will lead to exactly the solution I believe is right — when I have no way to control the outcome?
Do I really think the politicians won't expand the scope and cost of this program far beyond what they're talking about today?
Do I really want to give politicians this kind of power — knowing that some day the politicians and party I don't like will have it at their disposal?
Why in the world should I think this government program will work any better than any government program of the past?
How can I hope to bring about small, limited government when I'm suggesting a new government program that will take us further away from the Constitution?
[/list=1]
And then concludes:
If you really want to cure a pressing social problem, take steps outside the realm of government. If you don't see how you can convince people to help you succeed in a non-governmental endeavor, how can you expect to control politicians who care nothing for your desires?
And if you really want to make a noticeable difference, if you really want to improve life, do something for yourself or your family today. That's where you have real control, that's where you don't need to rely on politicians — or anyone else — and you can make sure the results are as you intend.
All good points.
http://www.harrybrowne.org/articles/PrinciplesOfGovernment.htm
It's easy to think sometimes that a new government program, law, or regulation could cure a pressing social problem.
Whether it's a desire to end abortions, keep the wrong people out of the country, make your city drug-free, stop corporate frauds, crack down on criminals, or make health care more accessible and less expensive, you can imagine how the right new law could make everything okay.
But when you get that kind of thought, I hope you'll remember the seven principles that apply to all government programs — not just the ones you oppose.
He then mentions the 7 principles, with explanations. I'll just post the principles and let you read the explanations at the article:
[list=1]
Government is force.
Government is politics.
You don't control government.
Every government program will be more expensive and more expansive than anything you had in mind when you proposed it.
Power will always be misused.
Government doesn't work.
Government must be subject to absolute limits.
[/list=1]
He then questions:
So the next time you're tempted to think that some government program is just what this country needs, ask yourself these questions:
[list=1]
Do I really want to use force to make this happen? Do I have any idea how many families may be destroyed by giving the government another tool to be enforced with fines and prison terms?
Do I really believe that George Bush, Teddy Kennedy, Hillary Clinton, and Trent Lott will have my best interests at heart when they fashion this new program or law?
Why should I believe supporting this program will lead to exactly the solution I believe is right — when I have no way to control the outcome?
Do I really think the politicians won't expand the scope and cost of this program far beyond what they're talking about today?
Do I really want to give politicians this kind of power — knowing that some day the politicians and party I don't like will have it at their disposal?
Why in the world should I think this government program will work any better than any government program of the past?
How can I hope to bring about small, limited government when I'm suggesting a new government program that will take us further away from the Constitution?
[/list=1]
And then concludes:
If you really want to cure a pressing social problem, take steps outside the realm of government. If you don't see how you can convince people to help you succeed in a non-governmental endeavor, how can you expect to control politicians who care nothing for your desires?
And if you really want to make a noticeable difference, if you really want to improve life, do something for yourself or your family today. That's where you have real control, that's where you don't need to rely on politicians — or anyone else — and you can make sure the results are as you intend.
All good points.
http://www.harrybrowne.org/articles/PrinciplesOfGovernment.htm