[Logophile]

Fair enough. Though I think that there are probably areas in which the government is better, and other areas where the market is better. I say use the best tool for the job!

We agree about using the best tool for the job. However, keep in mind that government and "the market" are not the only institutions of importance in a healthy society. Families, churches, and voluntary associations can do a far better job of caring for the poor and needy than government bureaucrats.

Right. But I'm not talking about any grand scheme here, just comparatively little things like nationalized health care, welfare, free education, etc. I don't think anything like that has ever started a war.

The items you listed—health care, welfare, free education, etc.—are not such "little things." Depending on what you mean by "etc.," you are likely talking about more than half of the nation's output. And these things have started wars. Tens of millions of persons were murdered by socialists in the pursuit of equality during the past century.

Now off to bed... Good night.

Pleasant dreams. Perhaps you will have a chance to read this and respond this tomorrow.

[A Ruckus of Dogs]

Families, churches, and voluntary associations can do a far better job of caring for the poor and needy than government bureaucrats.

Generally this is true, but in some cases it isn't. For example, the hundreds of mentally ill homeless we have wandering the streets of some of our big cities. The cost of maintaining these folks in an institution goes beyond the budget of the average church and voluntary association. Government is the only entity that has the millions of $ it costs to do it.