[eno_]

Fine sentiments, but not neccssarily based in fact.

The "market failures" notion supposes, without any proof, that government can "help." There is much evidence that whenever the government tries to "help" it really only ever helps itself and never compentently. In other words, you have to believe that markets fail and government actions don't.

Many people here have offered solid evidence that "make work" programs were no help - that, in fact, they were counterproductive. This is not based on theories, but the historical facts. It sure sounded like FDR helped at the time, especially when, in wartime, he could use every propaganda tool to project that image.

As it turns out, he kept more people in poverty longer than had he literally done nothing.

And don't pooh-pooh "theories" about how the government should work: The Founders wanted to keep it small - something like one quarter the size it is today. Going back to a FedGov that size would cure a lot of real-world ills. Imagine all middle class mothers being able to affors to stay home and homeschool their kids. It ain't no theory that THAT would be a conservative revolution that Reagan would be proud to see happen.

Before you start calling people "Libertarians" (I'm not one) read up on what size government we had before FDR got hold of it. That's what Republicans were fighting to hold onto. That's what Republicans today should be fighting to return to.

[risk]

Many people here have offered solid evidence that "make work" programs were no help - that, in fact, they were counterproductive.

But those people had food to eat and a place to live. You can call that "counterproductive" all you like but you'll have a hard time persuading people who benefited from them that they were just a huge mistake that never should have been attempted.

Nero played violin while Rome burned, too.