Promises of Reform

Consider for a moment some of the duties and programs government is responsible for: education, immigration, running elections, Social Security, Medicare, DMV. Now consider how many times the word "reform" is used with these duties and programs: education reform, immigration reform, Social Security reform . . you get the picture. Most, if not all, of these duties and programs given to government have been the source of frustration and disappointment to the public. People want reform because these things are broken and need fixed. But we know from experience that things that get bloated and that are old are difficult to move, and difficult to change. And when put in the hands of politicians, they can also be expensive to change. And so they remain broken.

Which leads me to this: so why do we want to turn over things like health care and energy to a government that has not proven it can reform anything? Maybe if the federal government can first prove they can manage immigration, then maybe we can consider giving them more responsibilities down the road, but not now. It's actually laughable that politicians get away with talking about reform like they do. I would love to see one Senator who has spent their lifetime in Washington, leave Washington, and go reform a company or some other private enterprise. Prove they can actually do it, then come back and maybe we will listen to them.

I believe the best solutions are market based. If an area can support the need for 10 motels, then 10 independently owned motels will be built. With 10 motels a customer has choices and a much better chance of getting a better price and better service due to competition. Now you could make the argument that it makes more sense to build one motel with 500 rooms rather than 10 motels with 50 rooms each. It would take up less land, it would be less confusing for travelers, and it would probably be more efficient. But with no competition, that one motel could set whatever price it wanted. It holds a monopoly on motel rooms in that area. Is that what we want when it comes to health care or with energy? Wouldn't something like education be better served if there was competition for students. Colleges do it, why not grade school or high schools?

It is unbelievable how much money and how much power is being thrown at Washington right now. Promises of reform: "just give us all your money and we will turn this thing around". And we are foolishly saying "go ahead".