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I love the self-righteousness and name calling.

The primary responsibility of the federal government is to provide self-defense. This is the greatest common good, as none of us would be here surfing PPOT if the country was not secure. I don't advocate that our military be constantly used, but it must be used when necessary. This includes one, perhaps two bureaus of higher-level investigation.

Government next has the role of regulating interstate commerce. They should provide roads and other major infrastructure. Right now, we have a score of D from the Army Corps of Engineers. Things are falling apart.

Why is this not being taken care of? These are basic, nonpartisan issues. No true American wants to see the country underfunded for defense, nor do we want a nation literally falling apart.

When defense is adaquately funded (not overfunded), and when we get to fixing our infrastructure, then we can care about being warm and fuzzy. If we can afford it. Welfare is indeed a leg-up situation, not a stable income. Why does it still exist from the Great Depression? The answers to 70-year old problems are irrelevant today. If you want welfare, find a way to make it work and be lean.

Many lesser countries produce better-informed citizens with poorer facilities and skimpier budgets. Money is not the solution. Most of us would agree that it's simply a waste to take the P-car to a dealer to fix every little problem. When we the citizens do the dirty work by encouraging a meritocracy and a society of responsibility, we will be far better off. Government cannot and will not be able to solve the problems of individuals.