[rogerv]

I am trying to be careful in distinguishing problems government can and should solve from those it cannot or should not. We may disagree on what goes in which pile, but we are agreed there are problems government cannot or should not solve.

I am also sympathetic with the reminder that government is we the people. The whole matter is complicated by the fact that we delegate some of the decision making to elected representatives. I'm not out to make this easier than it is is. And I am in favor of much more public debate and active participation in the decision making process at all levels than we currently have. But we have to start somewhere. We have to start with the government we have, not the one we'd like to have. I'd like government to do a better job of listening to us than it does, and yes, I apply that across the board, to democrats as well as republicans, and at all levels of government. I'm not saying we should govern by polls, but if government is going to represent our interests, they should listen to what those are.

[TChris]

And I am in favor of much more public debate and active participation in the decision making process at all levels than we currently have. ... I'd like government to do a better job of listening to us than it does...

Then what, exactly, are you talking about? Is this just a long-winded mourning of government not doing what you want? If so, this is a complete waste of time! Who doesn't think the government gets things wrong? I think that, to a person, everyone on Free Republic agrees that people should be more involved in government. Do you have some specific policies to discuss, some tangible goal you want the governent to achieve?

In short: What is your point?