Yeah, so states charging tolls is a good sign? Federal power ‘slipping away’? What is that guy smoking?
When conquering rulers invaded foreign lands, they invariably would leave compliant governors, magistrates, etc. behind to keep up the looting and keep a thumb on the people.
The Federal government is no different here. They relinquish part of the money, divvy up the booty (while still maintaining ridiculous regulatory control) and let the local henchmen ‘get some’ of the pie. Greed is the common denominator.
Yes, an $18 TRILLION debt is not exactly a sign of waning federal power.