The trouble with capitalism, a wit once said, is that it’s run by capitalists. The trouble with government, one might add, is that it’s run by the government.

Both private enterprise and the public realm have their shortcomings. Private enterprise, though, at least tends to limit shortcomings to discreet actors. One company that pursues a foolish industrial policy might fail, but its competitors will succeed. If government imposes a foolish industrial policy across an entire economic sector, though, the entire sector could fail. (Hence, one argument for letting states be “laboratories of democracy” rather than trying to impose a blanket federal policy such as, oh, No Child Left Behind.)

On the subject of shortcomings in both the public and private spheres, Tom Firey has further thoughts here.

WHO IS IT you have to worry about (1.) running-off with your spouse (2.) breaking into your home and stealing valuables and (3.) telling your boss lies, to make you look bad so you won’t get that promotion???

Is it the Government? Nooooo…it is your friend, your neighbor and your co-worker. The people you trust.

Apparently other posters do not own property and deal with govt. assessors, utilities, and taxes. Does anyone trust the govt. with “eminent domain” authority? How about the funding of schools either misuse, such as Richmond, or over funded such as Chesterfield and Henrico?

BTW personal choice, remember freedom of choice, does matter. The choices we make determine our role in life, period.

Social Security and all public pension funds should be under the supervision of a disinterested committee, if one could be found, or a combination of state and federal courts. Sadly, the answer to who do you trust, seems to be noone.

...but then again, neither does Tim Kaine’s Corn Flakes…

Bill, my Corn Flakes just don’t taste the same…

Larry sez: I’ve never had any bad dealings with “government”. That is to say: If there was a mistake and I was truly being wronged, they would always make good for it.

Bill sez: Wait.

Well I think this James Brown fellow in Chesterfield is just one of many glaring examples of too many con-men running around in the “private sector” also.

Personally, I’ve never had any bad dealings with “government”. That is to say: If there was a mistake and I was truly being wronged, they would always make good for it. Can’t always get that kind of guarantee when dealing with private individuals or private businesses.

Yeah, I know Bart’s topic deals mainly with social security—but the same principle applies.

coincide

Both have something to lose in failing to fill the needs of the public in an honest way: business loses money, political parties lose votes and support.

I trust neither unless their interests and mine concide.

When it comes to my money I will trust the government ONLY. Been burned too many times by private bozos—and it ain’t easy, nor always feasible, to try and track the clowns down.

Now I’m sure some wise-arse is gonna come along, behind my post, and tell me that I got burned because I didn’t make wise choices as to which person or business I should trust. But that would be irrelevant for the here ‘n’ now — for all I need to do is trust my monies with govt. agencies (or govt. backed agencies)ONLY. Then I have no worries to worry about!

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