Replies

I know that grown-up talk but, really, it sounds like it’s needed around here.

You are having the wrong talk with the wrong people. Defense didn't put us in this situation. Exploration didn't put us here.

We are here for two reasons: 1) the great sucking maw of entitlements and 2) the equally great sucking maw of government expansion.

Cutting back on constitutionally mandated duties that the government has been doing well for 200+ years is simply another form of denial of the problem. You aren't addressing anything, you are paving the way for even more extra-constitutional expansion.

You are having the wrong talk with the wrong people.

Actually, I think I am talking with the right people. Conservatives really need to get a grasp on where we are and what we need to do. Further, do we really think the top contenders for our vote are the ones we need?

Defense didn't put us in this situation.

No, not defense in general. However, maintaining a military presence in over 200 places around the world is certainly adding to out woes and has nothing to do with actual defense unless you buy the argument that everything, everywhere that could be a threat needs our presence, treasure and blood to set right. I don't and neither did the Founders.

Exploration didn't put us here.

I don't see mandates for flitting about in space as critical to our national survival - especially not moon bases or trips to Mars.

We are here for two reasons: 1) the great sucking maw of entitlements and 2) the equally great sucking maw of government expansion.

First, you cite two major reasons, but the problem is deeper still. Frankly, it has to do with the misunderstanding of what the proper role of our government really is. Besides defense and commerce, it should protect our property and expand our liberties. Yes, entitlements are the main drag on the budget, but it is the accepted idea that the (federal) government is many orders of magnitude too big - and doing things like flinging teachers and old Senators about in space and pushing global warming agendas. It just ain't their business - period.

Cutting back on constitutionally mandated duties that the government has been doing well for 200+ years is simply another form of denial of the problem.

Uh, I fail to see where the government has been involved in space exploration for 200 years. Besides, just because they do something has nothing to do with the 'rightness' of it.

You aren't addressing anything, you are paving the way for even more extra-constitutional expansion.

That one stumps me. If I'm for expansion of government, I'd like to see where that might be since I believe government ought to be strictly limited to the letter and intent of the Founders - no more and no less.