[libertarian66]

Human evil will never allow government to stay limited. A fundamentally predatory, destructive, conquering species cannot stay limited in power structures i.e. government. I know rhe political and economic theory of limited government, and like Communism or socialism, it simply cannot survive in the long run. Proof - American and European history circa 1700 to present.

[econjack]

I disagree with your hopeless view. People vote on the basis of what politicians can "give" them. They are seduced by everything from subsidized rents to free cell phones. I guess it's human nature to grab what you can for yourself rather than consider the alternatives that might exist if you thought about society rather than yourself.

I often wonder what would happen if the President held a press conference and announced an Executive Order that said:

Starting tomorrow, all budgets are cut by 10%. I expect each agency to continue to provide the same or better service than before the cut. If you cannot do so, I will find someone to replace you who can. Have a nice day."

I believe there is more than 10% slop in the budget and gov't could be more efficient if they had to be so. As it is, there is no penalty to spending other peoples' money inefficiently and, until they are held accountable by an informed electorate, the status quo will not change.