[Superman]

That's a completely cool post, Dave. I've had a bit of cheer myself so I'll not embarrass myself by trying to be substantive. And yeah, we probably disagree. Or at least, I remain convinced that the way to minimize cost is certainly NOT to farm stuff out to private industry. That may be the way to increase services, but not decrease cost. In my humble view. But you raise some good thoughts. I have no doubt your vote is to take care of those in our community who are far less fortinate. This thread was intended to be about comparing the costs of providing the services, with not providing them. Or better, the costs of having a conscious plan for tracking and underwriting them, versus the costs of pretending that there is no cost.

At any rate, I hadn't noticed your 'ire' until just before you confessed to the whiskey/Bass influence. For me it was Red Hook, finishing off with a Fat Tire.