>> The first part [NT: “Government produces nothing of benefit”] is simply not true. Government has enumerated powers. Do you consider national defense “nothing of benefit?”
Point taken. I should have said “nothing of value to the economy”, because as you point out, national defense is definitely something “of benefit”.
However, defense is a *necessary evil*, a drain on the economy rather than a contributor to economic value. It would be far better, *economically* speaking, if NO money needed to be spent on a military. Having said that, I am in favor of a strong military and willing to pay for it.
Now, even if I change my premise to “nothing of value of the economy” — that is also hyperbolic. As SoftballMom points out, there are (a very few) functions (she named Air Traffic Control) that are not only valid to be performed by a government, but also *of value* to the economy.
Hyperbole though it may be, I stand by my premise that the VAST majority of government is at best a necessary evil, a drag on the economy, and should be reduced or eliminated WHEREVER POSSIBLE.
But only if one wants a vigorous free market economy. For those who prefer a socialist welfare state, YMMV.
FRegards
We are on the same page and I’d go a bit further. Instead of cutting salaries, the government should be cutting departments and positions down to the very basic Constitutional needs. THEN make those jobs desirable to attract the very best talent. Quantity over quality.
Still, if we are all going to share the pain, I’d like to see cuts in all gov’t payouts, including welfare